Stamford Living February 2016

Loving where we live!

STAMFORD LIVING www.stamfordliving.co.uk

@StamfordLiving1 Stamford Living

Grubs Up!

Eating out with kids

Out & About

A day in Newark

11-Piece Ensemble

Dressing local band Inferno

Valentine’s Day

A dozen heart-winning gifts

FEBRUARY 2016 £1.50

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9 771478 377017

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100% British

In sleepy Stamford a firm of extra ordinary watch makers still hand-build entirely British made watches.

Loomes & Co • Extraordinary Watch Makers •

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01780 481319

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www.robertloomes.com

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2387 ORC-Full Page Full Service Stamford Living Advert_ORC-Full Page Full Service Stamford Living Advert 20/02/2015 12:25 Page 1

Windows | Doors | Garden Rooms | Orangeries | Conservatories | Kitchens From the initial design consultation right through to the fitting of your windows, doors and kitchen, Orchard will ensure the quality of service you receive is second to none!

Visit one of our showrooms to see more‌ Kitchens, Bedrooms & Bathrooms

Windows, Doors & Conservatories

Showroom Opening Times

01780 481 850 orchardkitchens@live.co.uk www.orchardstamford.co.uk

01780 753 343 orchardwindows@live.co.uk www.orchardwindows.co.uk

Mon-Fri: 9am - 5pm Saturday: Windows 9am - 1pm Kitchens 9am - 3pm

22-23 Scotgate, Stamford, PE9 2YQ

1 Meadow View, Uffington Road Stamford, PE9 2EX 3

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Windows • Conservatories • Bi-Folding Doors • Garage Doors If you are considering any home improvements please contact us for advice and for a competitive quote JUST A SMALL TASTER OF WHAT IS ON DISPLAY IN OUR STAMFORD SHOWROOM • 7 Display Kitchens’ • 15 Composite Front/Back Doors • French Doors/Patio Doors/Bi-Folding Doors • 1 Working Display Model of Electric Roller Garage Door • Windows in Cream, Black, Irish Oak, Golden Oak, Rosewood, White & Grey • English Heritage Approved Sliding Sash Window • Large Rubber Covered Flat Roofing Display Model • Full size roof corner showing Fascia’s Soffits and Guttering • White and coloured Cladding • Warm Roof with Velux

Open: Mon-Fri 9am-5pm, Sat 9am-3pm

Tel: 01780 654321 www.classicstamford.co.uk Email: sales@classic1992.co.uk 12 St Leonard’s Street, Stamford, Lincs PE9 2HN 4

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STAMFORD LIVING

February Contents www.stamfordliving.co.uk

UPDATES, SHOPPING 16 34 39 48

‘Clean for the Queen’: Get your school or workplace involved

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HAVE just signed up at www.cleanforthequeen.co.uk to take part in the ‘Clean for the Queen Campaign’ on March 4th6th. This is what their website says: “Clean for The Queen is a campaign to clear up Britain in time for Her Majesty the Queen’s 90th birthday, which will be officially celebrated in June 2016. When she came to the throne litter was not the problem that it is today. Food packaging, plastic bottles, takeaway meals and cigarette butts have all contributed to a growing menace that affects our wildlife, streets, countryside and sense of pride. What better way could we show our gratitude to Her Majesty than to clean up our country?

“We are calling on individuals, volunteer groups, local councils, businesses and schools to do their bit. You can start now and also take part in our Clean for The Queen weekend on March 4th, 5th and 6th 2016. Please register your interest here and we will help you to Clean for The Queen.

They also have lots of resources to help you out, including litter sacks directly to your door. Visit http://www.cleanforthequeen.co.uk/resources/2466 . There are several local workplaces that are already signed up, including Burghley House.

Stamford Living will be doing its bit around St Peter’s Green.

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Updates: Lambs retirement, Ewe Wool shop, North Shoes, Buddhist meditation Valentine’s Day: 20+ heart-winning gifts Updates: SES Oxbridge offers, Stamford Singers, Handelsbanken Updates: Property of the month from Sowden Wallis, Fresh Wheels refrigeration, Team George, Uppingham Yarns Updates: Aid to Nepal, Volunteering for Evergreen Updates: Stibbington Community Classes, Raffle for Jack Rickard, One Touch Football

FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY 11-piece ensemble: Dressing local band Inferno 12 Best beauty books and resources 23 Where to find a great prom dress?

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HOME, GARDEN & BUSINESS 24 Robert Goodwin speaks about the ups and downs of being an agent 40 The low-down on log burners…

43 …and now you’ll be needing a log basket 58 Options for Elderly Care

FOOD & DRINK 65 Pancake ideas for Shrove Tuesday 66 Grubs Up! Eating out with kids

Nicholas Rudd-Jones Publisher

@StamfordLiving1 Stamford Living Editor Nicholas Rudd-Jones 01780 765571 nicholas@bestlocalliving.co.uk Write to Stamford Living, PO Box 208, Stamford, PE9 9FY www.bestlocallivingliving.co.uk Advertisement Manager Claudia Bayley 01778 425502 claudia.bayley@btinternet.com Advertising Copy Rachel Beecroft 01780 765320 rachel@locallivingdesign.co.uk Head of Design Steven Handley steve@locallivingdesign.co.uk Senior Designer Nik Ellis nik@locallivingdesign.co.uk Publisher Nicholas Rudd-Jones 01780 765571 nicholas@bestlocalliving.co.uk Published by Local Living Ltd, PO Box 208, Stamford, Lincs. PE9 9FY nicholas@bestlocalliving.co.uk Printed by Warners of Bourne Cover picture this month: Valentine’s Day flowers, supplied and photographed by Tracy Burr at the Stamford Flower House, 31 St Mary’s St, Tel: 01780 753225. A great place to go for your valentine’s flowers.

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ACTIVITIES, CULTURE & LEARNING

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20 Child-friendly Stamford, featuring swimming lesson options 31 Local Music: buskers Felix & Ben 47 Improving personal and business performance 50 Out & About: a day in Newark 54 Psychology explained 70 Country stroll from Foxton Locks 73 What’s on in February?

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PEOPLE & PLACES 28 Ask Leo – the history of the Stamford Hotel 78 Local people: Paul McClure, the Rutland Troubadour

STAMFORD LIVING FEBRUARY 2016

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FASHION

Boogie Wonderland

Sally Stillingfleet dresses local band Inferno whose rich musical talents cannot help but get you on your feet

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nferno’s music is fast paced disco funk, very professional and infectiously foot tapping; the fantastic brass section really belts out a fully rounded sound designed to excite.

When I went to meet the band at a practice session I was blown away by the music but not their clothes. When you are this good, the music is everything and the clothes secondary. With the help of Energy and 23/7 the sometimes eleven piece band has been treated to Energy jeans to suit their styles; and with shirts from Energy and 23/7. Liam Gallagher is the name behind Pretty Green, so the musical theme continues. There is something for the diverse range of ages in both shops for all shapes and sizes. The girls, Laura and Brooke, love their clothes, so a trip to Arch for Laura and great new Maison Scotch pieces for Brooke from Energy.

Inferno, based in and around Stamford was set up in 2013 by band leader Guy Peverell, whose idea it was to do the photo shoot. Great music from the 60s through to the 80s, due to their size and instrumentation they are one of the few bands able to look and sound the part.

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FASHION

Brooke Studying for her ‘A’ levels, plays piano and keyboards Pepe jeans £85 Maison Scotch bomber jacket £190 Ash Boots £179 Fringed pale shirt £105 all Energy

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Barnie A jeans and Timberland boots fan.

Barnie plays Bass guitar.

511 dark wash Scotch and Soda Ralston jeans £115 Energy. Paisley detail Pretty Green shirt £40 23/7 Rob A natty dresser who likes hats this drummer is a true gent.

504 Levis £85 with Maison Scotch shirt now £45 with bow tie detail both Energy

Chris A guitarist and the most recent band member, Chris is a keen rugby player. Dark wash Levis 504 £85 Energy Pink Penguin shirt now £30 23/7, Brown boots now £69.50 Marcia May Shoes.

Sandy Singer skinny jeans wearer. Scotch & Soda Skim black jeans £110 Energy with Casual Friday shirt £25 23/7

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Laura History teacher and singer with a love of skinny jeans.

Pucci dress £250 worn with Gina shoes £80 both Arch Label Agency

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Josh Sax player and University in September to study maths. Lee Malone jeans £85 with white Scotch & Soda new round neck Tee shirt £32 both Energy

Guy Band leader and trombone player, prefers to wear a suit.

Fred Perry shirt £60 23/7 and dark wash 511 jeans £90

Hayden Trumpet player, studying for his ‘A’ levels. Levis 501 now £55 Energy sale. Ditsy floral shirt now £25 23/7

Mitch “Comfort is key.” Mitch plays the trumpet and teaches Chemistry. Catch 22 dark wash slim jeans £125 Fred Perry Shirt now £50 23/7

CONTACT INFERNO: • Guypev@aol.com Tel. 0779 4765175 www.inferno-discoband.weebly.com at facebook: www.facebook.com/funk.it.page • Arch Label Agency – 43 St Peter’s Street, Stamford. Tel. 01780 764746 • Energy – 9 Ironmonger St. Tel. 01780 765633 • 23/7 – 3 Stamford Walk. Tel. 01780 238008 • Marcia May Shoes – 41 St. Mary’s St. Tel. 01780 766608 • Pictures by Elli Dean (07932 055548) www.ellideanphotography.co.uk

Ben session musician with his own style and take on life. Scotch & Soda Skim in bluey grey £115 Energy Polka dot Lyle & Scott shirt £60 Fred Perry 23/7

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Never visited us before? *Try us for free!!!!

FREE BLOWDRY Introducing our new Style Director Laura Chadwick.

Laura is the 2015 L’Oreal Colour Trophy Winner in the Eastern Region, a hugely prestigious award testament to her super skills!

*T&C 1. To claim this offer it needs to be your first visit to a Pkai Salon or your first visit in the last 12 months. 2. These are stand-by appointments and can only be booked on the day. You must call the salon between 10am - 12:30pm for availability. 3. Valid at all Pkai Salons. 4. This offer may only be used once per person. 5. Cannot be booked online.

Pkai Hair, 10/12 Market Place, Market Deeping. PE6 8EA Pkai Market Deeping - 01778 300558

Also at: Pkai Westgate - 01733 358825 Pkai Hampton - 01733 358835

Book online at www.pkai.co.uk

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Sit back & relax, we’ll help you get THE LOOK Hello, my name is Roger and I started The Hairhouse, Stamford in 1989 after managing salons in Peterborough. I have always had a passion for hairdressing; seeing clients old and new is always met with the same enthusiasm.

Roger

Sue

Hello, my name is Sue, Roger’s partner and I run the salon. I am at my happiest when I am talking to our lovely clients.

Nikki

I’ve been at The Hairhouse for over 12 years. I love to create different styles for clients and make them feel good, whether it be a new colour and cut, or for a bride on her wedding day.

Available at ½ price Mon-Thurs until September Introducing Fibreplex

by Schwarzkopf, a revolutionary product that enables us to achieve great colour results without compromising the condition of your hair.

Let’s not forget the others

Danielle

I have 12 years experience and love cutting, colouring and working with wedding and party hair.

Marisa

I have been a professional hairdresser for the last 40 years and am as enthusiastic today as I have always been. My great satisfaction is to see my clients, old and new, leave the salon happy and return.

Becca

I have been hairdressing for 7 years and enjoy all areas of my work. I recently obtained my advance barbering certificate and passed a Wella creative colouring course. I look forward to seeing old and new faces.

Kama

I have been part of the Hairhouse team for over 3 years. I love all aspects of hairdressing and recently took part in an advanced colour course with Wella, as well as an advanced barbering course with one of the top barbers in the UK.

Henry

I’m the newest member of the team and looking forward to becoming fully qualified.

I’m especially interested in cutting and hair extensions.

7 St Paul’s Street, Stamford, Tel: 01780 762687 - Open Monday to Saturday plus late evenings

Award Winning Salon Give your Mum a treat she truly deserves this Mother’s Day!

Mini or Facial with a File & Paint on fingers or toes for only £30 *Offer available until 12th March

Or why not treat her with a Gift Voucher?

Go on, spoil her, she deserves it…

Tel: 01780 752725 www.maplesofstamford.co.uk 24 St. Mary’s Street, Stamford, Lincolnshire, PE9 2DJ.

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HEALTH & BEAUTY

Beauty Update Genevieve Potter takes a look at some new beauty treats and has some top rated reading recommendations.

THREE BRILLIANT BEAUTY READS Even if it’s cold and grey outside, inspiration for boosting your health and beauty regime can be found by curling up at home with a book. These are our pick.

Eat Pretty, by Jolene Hart Published by: Chronicle Books £10.99 (available to buy at Emma Cannings) What we love about it: This is a book which approaches beauty from the inside out and it’s been described as ‘the new mind-body manual’. Whilst everyone knows that you are what you eat, Eat Pretty goes much further by giving very specific guidance on which foods can help have a visible impact on your complexion, hair and nails. For instance, did you realise that beetroot is brilliant to help protect skin from the sun and that red cabbage promotes collagen production to keep skin firm and plump?

Eat Pretty also suggests what to eat for maximum anti-aging, weight loss and detox benefits.

Favourite excerpt: Hart spent much of her career as a beauty editor for a major magazine. She had access to all of the products that she could handle, because it was her job to test them – here’s what she said about the experience: “Welcome to my personal nightmare. My painfully irritated complexion was just one sign that I was coming up short on healthy beauty tools. There was the itchy eczema on my legs, the dark circles under my eyes, the expanding waistline – but that wasn’t even the extent of it. I didn’t feel beautiful either. I didn’t have energy or sparkle the way I knew I should. When I realized that I had just about every beauty product in existence at my fingertips and yet I wasn’t a step closer to looking and feeling my best, I started searching for an answer beyond the beauty aisle.”

Pretty Honest, by Sali Hughes Published by: Fourth Estate, £22 What we love about it: If your idea of heaven is the beauty hall of a department store or an evening of pampering at home, this is one book that you definitely need to buy. Sali Hughes is arguably Britain’s best beauty writer. What’s so brilliant about this book is that she writes with such complete honesty, befriending you as the reader and humorously guiding you through exactly what you should spend their time, effort and cash on.

It’s also a very comprehensive tour of the beauty industry at 330 pages long. Subjects covered include ‘to wax or not to wax’, ‘beauty and motherhood’ and a whole chapter devoted to ‘red lipstick’. Even if you consider yourself to be well-informed in beauty terms, you will learn a lot from reading this book and Sali’s style of writing makes it a hugely pleasurable experience.

Favourite excerpt: Pretty Honest includes a chapter on ‘managing counter staff’, which will resonate with anyone who’s fallen prey to an over-eager sales person trying to sell them a whole new look! Sali provides some brilliant pointers for making a trip to the beauty counter a positive experience.

“Vote with your wallet. Counter staff work on commission. If you’re getting rude or sloppy service from one sales assistant, politely move on to another and don’t feel afraid to explain why. Helpful staff are more deserving of your money.

“Be firm. Easier said than done but it’s time to man up. This is your face and your purse and you decide what happens to both. If a sales assistant starts trying to push you in to buying things you don’t want, don’t panic and don’t say you’ll come back later. Just smile and say firmly “No, I am sure I have everything I want today, thank you.” And leave.”

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Supercharged Food – Eat yourself beautiful, by Lee Holmes Published by: Murdoch books, £14.99 What we love about it: Lee Holmes is a native Australian and embodies an earthy, natural approach to beauty, which is infectious and refreshing.

The book focuses entirely on food and how achieving radiance and beauty is affected more by what we feed our bodies and how we feel inside than any cream we put on our skin; or as she eloquently puts it – “spinach and coconut water – they’re a lot cheaper than a cosmetic surgeon.”

The book (which is glossy enough to grace any coffee table), has a wonderful selection of recipes, from quick, everyday breakfasts and lunches - supercharged breakfast bars are a particular favourite - right through to savoury dishes and desserts which are dinner-party worthy.

Favourite excerpt: Early in the book Lee covers ‘what to avoid for a beautiful you’ and here’s what she says about fizzy drinks: “If you want to shave years off your life, soft drinks are just the ticket. But if, on the other hand, you prefer to be kind to your body and skin and remain healthy both inside and out, soft drinks need to pack their bags and get on the next coach to nowheresville.

“Their high sugar content can cause rapid aging and create mayhem on your blood sugar levels. And out of whack blood sugar levels can result in skin breakouts, and reduce your skin’s natural elasticity. Aside from other unscrupulous characters such as salt, artificial sweeteners, food colourings and chemicals, soft drinks also include phosphates.

Give them the flick and reap the benefits.”

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Snowdens Foot Clinic and Beauty Spa Susan Lester and the team at Snowdens are now excited to be offering Environ skincare.

Environ is one of the most advanced skin care brands in the world, having been conceived by South African surgeon and leading authority on anti-ageing Dr Des Fernandez; it is based on the renewing and perfecting properties of pure vitamin A. Having launched Environ at the spa in September, therapist Lizzy offers the full spectrum of Environ facials and the collagen power boost facial is fast becoming a signature treatment.

Lizzy is happy to welcome new clients to Snowdens for a free, 15-minute skin consultation to discuss client’s current regime and concerns and talk through how Environ can help to address these.

And on Wednesday 9th March, between 10 and 5 pm, you can attend a detailed skin analysis session with a visiting Environ expert, please call for more details and to book your place.

• Snowdens Foot Clinic and Beauty Spa, Snowdens Hospital, Scotgate, Stamford, PE9 2YF. www.snowdensfootclinic.co.uk - Tel: 01780 762244 Open Monday –Saturday

Resveratrol by Caudalie at Chameleon There’s a new cult skin care brand in town, Caudalie’s Resveratrol Lift range, available now at Chameleon.

Developed jointly by Caudalie and Dr David Sinclair from the Harvard Medical School, the range is the result of a scientific research study; its primary objective was to better understand the effects of resveratrol on cellular mechanisms associated with ageing.

The research undertaken by Dr Sinclair’s team highlighted surprising synergy between resveratrol, a molecule found in vine shoots and other plants, and micro hyaluronic acids. Hyaluronic acid is a glycosaminoglycan (GAG) naturally found in all of the body’s tissues; approximately 50% of it is located in the dermis. This natural active ingredient is capable of retaining up to fifty times its weight in water. It gives the face a fresh, smooth, plump, “baby skin” appearance synonymous with freshness and youth.

The research team discovered that the combination of resveratrol and hyaluronic acid results in the overproduction of the hyaluronic acid naturally found in our cells. Of the tens of thousands of genes examined in this study, they demonstrated that one gene, Has2, responsible for the production of hyaluronic acid in cells, was stimulated by this complex.

In addition to stimulating hyaluronic acid production, the new patented complex increases the activity of the genes responsible for collagen and elastin production, stimulates cellular energy, and exerts anti-glycation action (to prevent the damage that occurs when we ingest sugar), and it helps to restore skin’s volume and firmness, plumping it from within.

The Resveratrol Lift line has subtle, energising notes of chamomile flowers, lavender water, orange leaves, red thyme, sage and fresh mint.

As with all Caudalie products, it complies with a highly stringent ethical charter that ensures active ingredients of natural French origin, and is without parabens, phenoxyethanol, phthalates, mineral oils, sodium laureth sulfate, and ingredients of animal origin.

• Prices begin from £36 for the Resveratrol Lift eye balm.

Chameleon, 5 St Mary’s Hill, Stamford, PE9 2DP Tel: 01780 755405 www.chameleonboutique. co.uk

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Sandra, Anna & Kelly would like to welcome new stylist, Anna Lount to the already thriving Team....

We all continue to strive for that one to one personalised service for all of your hair & beauty needs.

Hairess Beauty offers a range of services including Nails, Eyelash Extensions & Spray Tans at competitive rates.

Anna is young, vibrant & has a wealth of experience in all aspects of Hairdressing specialising in Hair Extensions. Anna looks forward to meeting new and welcoming back existing clients.

1 Wellington Lane, Stamford, Lincs, PE9 1QB

01780 765 815

Hair'S of Stamford

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Is it time to re-discover your hearing?

Missing the odd word during the conversation?

Having to turn the TV up?

If these situations sound familiar you may benefit from a free hearing assessment.

Healthy Hearing are your local hearing experts. With many years of experience we are dedicated to providing a comprehensive hearing healthcare service and finding the best solutions for your needs.

Call us for: • Free expert hearing advice • Free lifestyle hearing assessments • Free trials of the latest digital hearing aid technology • Home visits available

Call us today for your FREE hearing assessment

01780 759133 Stamford Hearing Centre, No 1 The Old Police House, Cliff Road, Stamford, Lincolnshire PE9 1AB

With our help your hearing can only get better.

Valentine Offer

Book in for a blow dry & receive a conditioning treatment with complimentary Prosecco and chocolates for only £25 *Only available with Jess, Charlie and Jenni

Introducing our New Loyalty Scheme *Receive shampoo and conditioner or a free blow dry See our Facebook page for details Corioliss C1 Straighteners

£69

1A Ironmongers St. Stamford, PE9 1PL T: 01780 757070 15

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UPDATES

Meditation and mindfulness - public talk at the Stamford Arts Centre S

enior meditation teacher, Kadam Bridget Heyes is visiting Stamford for the first time in February to give a public talk on meditation and mindfulness at the Arts Centre.

In the fast pace of our work and personal lives our attention is easily scattered and our mind cluttered with endless distractions. Training in meditation and mindfulness gives us the power to overcome disturbing thoughts and stress and to stay focussed on what brings peace of mind.

The speaker, Kadam Bridget Heyes, teaches meditation and mindfulness courses worldwide and has over 25 years experience. As a mother of two, her teachings are exceptionally clear, practical and profoundly beneficial to modern day life.

The public talk, Meditation and Mindfulness will take place on Friday February 26th from 7.00-8.00pm in the Ballroom at the Stamford Arts Centre and everyone is welcome to attend. Tickets are available to buy at the box office and cost £6.

Shoe firm out to sock it to ‘em A

Stamford shoe store is out to prove it is one step ahead of the rest – by claiming more prestigious national accolades.

North Shoes, in Red Lion Square, has been shortlisted in four categories at the Footwear Industry Awards 2016.

The independent family business, which was launched in Bourne in 1876 and also has shops in Peterborough and Cambridge, is bidding to add to the three titles it has already collected since the awards were launched in 2012 – including men’s independent retailer of the year in 2015.

North Shoes has been shortlisted for men’s independent retailer of the year, independent family retailer of the year and fashion independent retailer of the year.

And James North, the fifth generation at the head of the business, is shortlisted in the leaders in customer service category. He said: “The awards honour the finest in the footwear retail industry and it’s great just to be shortlisted. We have been lucky in them since 2012 and I’m so pleased and honoured that people in the trade have thought of us again.

“The shortlistings recognise we’re always looking at new things and focusing on quality service and products. The trade sees us as a business that’s progressing and doing well.”

North Shoes has won the men’s independent retailer, independent family retailer and ladies’ independent retailer crowns in the past, as well as being highlycommended three times.

The 2016 winners will be announced at the glittering Footwear Industry Awards evening at the National Conference Centre in Solihull on Sunday, February 21, hosted by Capital FM Radio drive-time host Greg Burns.

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This event compliments weekly meditation classes held at the Stamford Arts Centre with Buddhist nun, Gen Nyingpo.

• For more information please visit: www.drolmacentre.org.uk

Lambs’ retirement B

rother and sister Richard Stapling and Janet Brown have been in partnership, running Lambs China, Glass and Cookware Shop and hardware for many years. Taking over from their parents who, originally purchased the business 69 years ago, Richard and Janet are now at retirement age and have decided to retire this year. It is after very careful thought and consideration that they have decided to close both shops at the end of March 2016.

They are having a massive stock clearance, everything must go on sale including fixtures and fittings.

Richard and Janet have both worked in the business since leaving school and are now looking forward to pursuing their interests and hobbies. They are sad to be saying goodbye to their team of loyal staff, some of whom have worked for up to 22 years for Lambs, supporting and helping the shops to prosper and become an established landmark in town.

They would like to thank their many customers, some of whom are second or third generation.

Customers, who over the years have had wedding lists placed at Lamb’s and christening, birthday and anniversary gifts purchased from Lambs. Also, customers that have equipped their kitchens, from can openers to cookers, have warmed their homes with gas or electric fires, cut their lawns and dug their gardens all with goods from Lambs.

The properties are owned by Janet and Richard and so they will soon be on the market. I am sure that Lambs’ shops will be missed in the town but this is a new opportunity and beginning for all.

Correction: Ewe contact number Last month’s issue listed the wrong telephone number for Ewe Wool Shop For upcoming knitting workshops with Rowan knitwear designer Jem Weston please contact Rachel at Ewe Wool Shop 4 Stamford Walk, PE9 1QS Tel: 01780 763838 or email: i_love_ewe@ymail.com.

STAMFORD LIVING FEBRUARY 2016

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SHOWROOM NOW OPEN

Open: Mon-Fri 9am-5pm, Sat 9am-3pm

Tel: 01780 654321 Email: sales@classic1992.co.uk www.classicstamford.co.uk 12 St Leonard’s Street, Stamford, Lincs PE9 2HN 17

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UPDATES

Do you lack the motivation to get fit?

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ave you ever made a New Year’s resolution to get fit and healthy but after a few weeks you simply give up? That often happens because you lack motivation. Have you ever joined a gym in January only to give up and waste your hard earned money? Guess what – that’s also because you lack motivation.

After a while, the same old exercise routine gets stale when you lack the knowledge to create enough variety to keep things fresh and interesting. Thus, you lack motivation. Even if you try a new exercise class, that may become boring after a while because it’s too one dimensional and you don’t interact with your class mates during the session – interaction is fun!

Equilibrium support for British Heart Foundation S

am Hiseman, the owner of Equilibrium, says: “We are pleased to announce over the coming months we will be supporting the British Heart Foundation as our chosen charity.

Someone very close to our Salon will be running the London Marathon on Sunday 24th April in aid of the BHF and we will be running a few events and raffles etc within the salon with proceeds going towards this very worthwhile cause.

“First up we have our raffle with the chance to win 8 Lipofirm inch loss treatments valued at £800 (perfect to get you beach ready for the summer!)

Tickets are £1 each or £5 per strip and the draw will take place on Thursday 31st March. So pop into the salon for your chance to win this amazing prize!

“In order to keep up to date with any events or promotions we will be running please join us on Facebook - www.facebook. com/equilibriumstamford or sign up for our newsletter at www.equilibriumstamford. co.uk”

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So, if you lack the motivation to get fit, here is a great solution: join Stamford Boot Camp.

Proprietor Rob Dulieu says: “When you invest in your fitness with Stamford Boot Camp, you can be assured of constant motivation, both inside and outside of class time. Every session is different; they are fun, very interactive, span many genres of fitness and I write all the programmes so you don’t need to spend time pondering what to do next. My Campers love what we do!”

• For the whole of February, Rob is offering free taster sessions.

Contact him on 07846 457959 or at info@stamfordpersonalfitness. co.uk to book your place now.

Website: www.stamfordpersonalfitness.co.uk

Wear it Pink Charity Event

Last November, Cathy Cahill and Diane Westbrook hosted a Wear it Pink Charity Event in aid of Breast Cancer Research. They raised a grand total of £695.

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iane says; “We would like to thank our families and friends for their support and help but also importantly, a HUGE thank you to the local businesses of Stamford and the Corn Exchange for their generous help on the night and for their kind raffle donations.

Namely, Pots of Fun, Kids Stuff, Linda at Stamford Sewing, Shutterbox Photography, Forever Living, Greensleeves, Scentsy, Energy Clothing, Younique, Sukies, Robinson’s of Stamford, Cook, Javawocky, Stamford Football Club, Cummings, Stella and Dot, Always Time to Bake, Lily King Weddings, Lambs, Sinclairs, Rapport, Frothy’s, Perch and Preen, Natalie Dams Beauty, Chameleon, Be Free, Jen’s Hip Hop Adnams, Rob Persani and Rutland Radio. We couldn’t have done it without you!”

Meet the Market Deeping team at award-winning salon P.Kai T

he award-winning P.Kai Salons are headed up by Kai Wan, an experienced all-rounder renowned for his styling and dressing. Kai has worked extensively as a platform artist and been shortlisted for the British Hairdressing Awards in the Newcomer and Eastern categories, as well as scooping the ghd Innovation Award and the Your Hair Eastern Salon of the Year title.

With successful salons in Hampton and Westgate, Kai has now brought his exemplary salon experience to Market Deeping. The new unisex salon houses a colour bar in its beautiful interior, which focuses on delivering Couture Colour, an exclusive service in the area.

A Guest Artist for Wella Professionals, Kai and his experienced team are always among the first to offer the latest techniques and products, and 2016 sees the launch of the brand new System Professional range in the salon – book an appointment now to be one of the first to experience it!

The salon complements high end services with affordable prices and convenience for their clients, including online booking services when the salons are closed and convenient opening hours. Market Deeping will offer a 25% senior citizen and student discount on Wednesdays and of course, free consultations to all clients prior to cuts and colour.

So, who should you ask for? As well as Kai, the talented team includes: Style Director Laura Chadwick has a passion for creating the perfect colour to suit each client. Laura, who previously worked in Stamford, is the 2015 L’Oreal Colour Trophy winner in the Eastern Region – a hugely prestigious award testament to her super skills!

Salon Director and Master Colour Expert Sarah Ellson has been with the P.Kai Hampton team for nearly 13 years. The Master Colour Expert qualification is the highest accolade possible from Wella.

Bronwyn Shasu joins as an apprentice; sit back and enjoy a heavenly hair-wash with her – she knows exactly what to use for the most gorgeously conditioned locks.

• 10/12 Market Place, Market Deeping, PE6 8EA tel. 01778 300558 or visit www.pkai.co.uk

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Live Beautifully

www.elizabethstanhope.co.uk showroom@elizabethstanhope.co.uk 27 Mill Street, Oakham, Rutland, LE15 6EA 01572 722 345

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ACTIVITIES

Child Friendly S Antonia Scott finds out what’s going on in Stamford and beyond for your little ones – focusing on half term holidays! small and friendly environment with trained THE YARD SOFTPLAY ACTIVITIES WITH LIZ PAIGE Drama Teacher Tal Franklin. Classes are £6 per Fill the gallery with planets and satellites with STAMFORD: Lots of new classes beginning again at The Yard for 2016.

• Joe Jingles is on Mondays at 2.15pm, • Dinky Dancers on Tuesdays at 10am • Baby Signing on Thursday at 2pm • Becky the Hairdresser is in the Party Room every 3 weeks (Friday 19th February) from 3pm – 5pm

LOVE STAMFORD:

From Monday 15th – Thursday 18th February there will be a range of craft workshops to entertain children over half-term. Morning and afternoon sessions - £6 per session includes all materials. Crafts are aimed at children aged 5 to 12 and all sessions must be booked in advance by coming into Love Stamford or emailing Linda@stamfordsewing.co.uk Love Stamford also has 3 new sessions for children throughout the year:

MAMA CAFE

Every Monday term time at 10.15am - Mums meet from Pregnancy through to baby’s first birthday. These sessions allow Mums to spend time with other Mums for chat, support and each week they undertake a new craft activity and have guest speakers.

BILINGUASING

Every Thursday Term Time at 11.15am is group where babies and toddlers can learn new language skills music, singing and dancing. No experience necessary.

The Stamford Sling Meet - First Tuesday of every month at 10.30am is - Free group to come along and learn about all things baby & child wearing

BABY NOMAD:

• Monday February 22nd at 6.30pm: Pregnancy Yoga at the Stamford Guide Hall • Tuesday February 23rd at 9.45am: Mother & Baby Yoga at the Stamford Guide Hall • Tuesday February 23rd at 11.30am: Baby Nurture & Massage at the Stamford Guide Hall • Wednesdays at 11.30am: Master classes at the Stamford Children’s Centre • Friday February 26th at 9.45am: Mother & Baby Yoga at the Stamford Children’s Centre • All details and prices at www.babynomad.net

TALENT YOUTH THEATRE

is very excited to be starting ‘Preen Workshops’, for ages 8-12 after half term. Starting Wednesday 24th February from 4.45pm-6pm. A perfect way for ‘preenagers’ to learn dramatic skills, socialise and develop confidence in a

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workshop.

For more information: 07795 311777 www.facebook.com/talentyouth

WILDCATS:

There’s a host of musical fun to be had over half-term: • 15th February - Matilda Monday: Learn songs and routines from the hit musical. Mixed with art and craft activates linked to the theme.

• 16th February - The Lion King Tuesday: Learn a mini Lion King medley of songs to perform at the end of the day. You will even make an animal mask to show your character during the performance.

• 17th February - Wicked Wednesday: The story of Elphaba and Glinda - travel to the Emerald City and discover songs from this well known musical.

• 18th February - Thriller Thursday: Love dance?

This Michael Jackson inspired day uses the musical ‘Thriller Live’ as inspiration for a dance based show.

• 19th February - Frozen Friday: Frozen is back - a one day workshop working on a medley of the best songs, alongside making some Frozen themed art. A special visit from Princess Elsa is also part of the day!

• 19th February - Fosse Friday (age 10 plus): A musical theatre Masterclass with Tara Mellowes - learn songs from Chicago, Sweet Charity, Pippin and Cabaret. Content appropriate to age.

If you have Tap or Jazz shoes please bring them along. Costume will be provided for the end of day filming.

LITTLE VOICES:

have two theatre workshop days over half term for children to have fun in a safe and stimulating environment where they can learn at the same time...

• Monday 15th February: ARIEL AND FRIENDS - Children will sing some songs from the movie and learn some dance routines too. Children can come in costume too (optional).

• Tuesday 16th February: MARY POPPINS: Your child can become the famous Nanny, one of the children Jane or Michael, Bert the chimney sweep (or even a dancing penguin!) in an allsinging, all-dancing day of fun!

All Theatre Workshops take place at St Michael’s School, Apollo Avenue, on the new Cardea estate in Stanground South, Peterborough. Each day costs £25.

STAMFORD ARTS CENTRE:

• Mon 15 Feb 10am to 12noon or 1pm to 3pm: Lost in Space - Workshop for 6-12 years • SPACE THEMED CRAFTS AND FUN

Liz in this extra fun workshop that’s out of this world! £7 per child Gallery • Wed 17 Feb 10am to 12noon or 1pm to 3pm: BUILD AN ALIEN WORKSHOP! • SPACE THEMED SCULPTURE WITH JAMES SUTTON Help celebrate the Arts Centre screening Star Wars: The Force Awakens by joining sculptor James Sutton to design and make your very own clay alien sculpture! Limited places £7 per child Gallery FRI 19 FEB 11AM TO 3PM: FAMILY OPEN DAY! Come for second family open day and take part in family friendly activities including drumming, singing, poetry and drama. Plus, take part in special space themed activities in the theatre and in the week’s arts and crafts space themed finale in the Gallery, celebrating the Arts Centre screenings of Star Wars: The Force Awakens! Most activities are free but some may incur a small charge. Stamford Arts Centre is also hosting an extra special night on Friday 5th February: ‘Amplified Projected’ - a group of young people who are sponsored and supported by the Arts Centre and an organisation called Lincolnshire One Venues.

They organise and plan monthly open-mic evenings and have organised a special film night and a short-film competition.

SHH…BANG! - PEUT-ETRE THEATRE A delicate dance-theatre performance for children and their adults, playfully exploring sound and silence, funded by the Wellcome Trust and Arts Council England. 40 mins approx. £8 (£7) £28 per family of four. 3 years plus.

THE REMARKABLE TALE OF OLIVER TWIST FOR CHILDREN AND FAMILIES Packed full of surprises for a modern audience, Red Earth’s adaptation of Charles Dickens’s masterpiece recreates a colourful cast of larger than life characters on stage. Presented in the style of Victorian music hall, with speciality acts and variety entertainments, Red Earth’s production brings Oliver’s story vividly to life for children and grown-ups. £8 (£7) £28 for family of four. 6 + years

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Stamford MAKE A SPLASH!

If the thought of stripping off whilst it’s still so cold fills you with dread, rest assured it’s all indoors and heated!

SES swimming pool Stamford Leisure Pool: Regular daily after school swim school classes and daytime Toddler Splash - includes a flume, water features and a wave machine for weekends and parties.

Drift Rd, Stamford, PE9 1UZ Tel: 01780 765522 Stamford Endowed School Pool: The gleaming new Sports Centre and 25m Swimming Pool provides first-class sporting facilities for pupils at the Stamford Endowed Schools as well as the wider Stamford community. Use of the sports centre is embedded into curricular and extra-curricular life at the Schools, and many local sports clubs use the facilities in the evenings and at weekends. There is also a limited public membership scheme available for the swimming pool.

If you have any queries please call the SES Sports Centre on 01780 750050 or email sportscentre@ses.lincs.sch.uk Oakham School Pool: Junior Swimming Lessons are now being offered for children aged 4-16. They follow the nationally-accredited Amateur Swimming Association’s (ASA) National Plan for Teaching Swimming (NPTS). All staff are fully-qualified swimming instructors.

• For details on Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday lessons, contact Conrad Nancarrow on 01572 758754, or email cgn@oakham.rutland.sch.uk £6 per lesson (£90 for a 15-week term) Uppingham Sports Centre: offer swimming lessons for both adults and children in term time as well as group and individual private lessons. There are also weekly swim fit classes designed to improve your swimming fitness and technique and the popular children’s crash courses which are run during the School holidays as a fast track way for children to either learn to swim or quickly improve.

• Leicester Rd, Uppingham, Rutland LE15 9SE Tel: 01572 820830 Email: ussc@uppingham.co.uk Barnsdale Country Club has a 22m indoor swimming pool for members to enjoy with ‘Splash Time’ specifically aimed at families

with young children from 9am – 12pm at the weekend.

• North Oakham, Rutland LE15 8AB Tel: 01572 757901 Edith Weston Primary School Pool: a perfect pool for beginners to gain confidence. Lessons available from the wonderfully calming teacher Angela Duerden.

• Edith Weston Primary School. Weston Road. Edith Weston. LE15 8HQ Tel: 01780 720025 Market Deeping: Swim school Mon – Thurs after school as well as Swim Club and available for private hire on Saturday’s from 6pm – 9pm.

• Park Rd, Deeping St James, Peterborough PE6 8ND Tel: 01778 344072 Corby Pool: offers a wide range of facilities from Swimming to Health & Fitness. The Pool has state of the art moving floors and boom, this offers a greater flexible pool area, allowing activities and swimming to take place in a versatile leisure environment.

• Parkland Gateway, George St, Corby, NN17 1QB Tel: 01536 464643 Bourne Leisure Centre: Sports complex with an indoor pool, studio and sports halls, with camps and coaching for kids.

• Queen’s Rd, Bourne, Lincolnshire, PE10 9DX Tel: 01778 421435 DARE TO BARE....ROLL ON SPRING! Bourne Outdoor Pool: opening in May 2016 Bourne Outdoor Swimming Pool is a registered charity operated and maintained by volunteers since 1990. Situated in the picturesque Abbey Lawns of Bourne, the 50 yard near Olympic size heated pool is one of the largest of the few surviving outdoor pools in the country.

• Abbey Lawns, Abbey Road, Bourne, Lincolnshire, PE10 9EP Tel: 01778 422063

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VALENTINES

OFFER THROUGHOUT FEBRUARY*

Gel Nail Extensions £35 Gel Polish Nails £20 Full Body Massage £30 Hollywood/ Brazilian Waxing £25 Spray Tan £15

Mother’s Day offer throughout March* Gel Polish Nails & Back, Neck & Shoulder Massage (30 min) & Eyebrow Tidy £49 * not in conjunction with any other offers

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FASHION

Prom Dresses

at Red Carpet Ready Red Carpet Ready, an independent dress boutique, is a one stop shop for ladies’ evening and formal wear. Lucy Little experiences the Red Carpet treatment

I

t's that time of year again when a large number of sixteen year old girls start frantically scouring the internet in order to find their perfect prom dress. With the prospect of GCSEs looming ever nearer, the only thing that is keeping the students in Year 11 sane is the thought of that summer ball where you can forgo the school uniform and feel like royalty for an evening. Prom is one of the first formal events for school bound teenagers.

The event not only helps to motivate students to reach the end of the dreaded exam season, but it also allows them to experience what a more formal 'do' is all about.

With thousands of dresses available on the internet, the whole process of finding the perfect one can sometimes feel overwhelming. Red Carpet Ready, just to the south of Lincoln, is the perfect remedy for this. As one of the largest suppliers of prom dresses in the UK, the staff here are sure to be able to find your perfect dress. With their expert knowledge and over a thousand dresses on offer in a wide range of styles, colours and prices, they can guarantee that your visit will be successful. It's no wonder that people travel from all across the country to Red Carpet Ready to find their perfect dress! As well as that, they also organise all alterations and can even send your dress in the post. Of course, no dress is complete without the various accessories and you can save yourself time by trying them alongside your dress. It is no longer necessary to trawl around shops trying to find matching shoes or clutch bags. Red Carpet Ready will ensure that you leave stress free!

Red Carpet Ready is based in converted barns in the village of Branston, south of Lincoln. The store has two showrooms, which display a wide variety of dresses. With a dress exclusivity list, you can be sure that no one else will turn up with the same outfit to your event. On arrival, you are given five tags to put on dresses that instantly catch your eye. You are encouraged to have a leisurely browse through the dresses before trying some on in the spacious and luxurious changing rooms. The dresses are arranged in colour order so that it is easier to look through them all. In each colour section you will find a large variety of styles; glitter adorned gowns, traditional style prom dresses and elegantly simple frocks. Once your five dresses have been carefully chosen, you then have the fun of trying them all on! You may find that your perfect dress is the first one that you try on, which was an experience that one girl had when I was in the shop. However, this is not always the case which is why there are helping hands at the ready. Styling experts choose further dresses for you to try on in accordance with your style preferences, shape and budget. I tried on some beautiful dresses that I never would have picked up from the rails. This, in my opinion, is what makes Red Carpet Ready that little bit different from its competitors: the stylists strive to find a dress that suits you. Their honest opinions and expert knowledge make sure that you will look and feel amazing at your event. Sure enough, I left the shop with a huge smile on my face having found the dress that was perfect for me.

• Red Carpet Ready (http://www.redcarpetready.co.uk) 40 Hall Lane, Branston, Lincoln, LN4 1PY. 01522 793777 Appointments recommended

It is no surprise that Red Carpet Ready has won an award for “New Business of the Year”. They have supplied dresses to high profile beauty queens such as Miss Teen Galaxy UK, Miss Germany and Miss Great Britain. Red Carpet Ready is not, however, just a one trick pony.

They have dresses that suit all kinds of occasions. Whatever your event is, be it a formal evening event or trip to the races, you will be certain that you will find a dress that suits your needs.

With an ever growing client base, this is an independent business that is truly blossoming.

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PROPERTY

Go ahead make my day -

shoot the agent

Robert Goodwin

S

OMEONE turns to me at a party and asks what I do. Despite 45 years of practicing an answer, my first instinct is always to panic and say anything but ‘Estate Agent’. Why? In surveys, public satisfaction with their agents is consistently 90 per cent-plus and, given the role agents play in disposing of your most important asset, surely you should love them too. It’s possible, though when posed with the question, usually the observer of the answer has some immediate horror story to tell me about theirs or a friend’s moving experience! I am proud of my profession and career and have thoroughly enjoyed my years dealing with the idiosyncrasies of the people business – well usually!

When I first told my father I was leaving the Anglian Water Authority as a Trainee Engineer with great prospects and a pension I thought he would go ballistic but apparently the thing going for me, in his book (and he was a man of some standing) was that if I was to become an estate agent it was at least a ‘gentleman’s profession’, he said.

Years ago an eminent psychologist, told a friend that agents were, and always would be, unpopular because they are the messengers.

Well, we may be, but should that consign us to an eternity of social exclusion or is it time to remind people that it’s not actually our fault when their dream crashes around them?

Sadly, life these days seems predicated on a right of entitlement. Add to this a seemingly ever-increasing focus on upward social mobility and you have the perfect excuse for blaming an Estate Agent when the property utopia doesn’t materialise and feeling comfortable with the sage nods of others who feel such people are beneath them.

Given the absurdity of our property-buying system, the cheapest in the developed world and one the government struggles to regulate in even the most basic way, there are plenty of weak links where those who could face blame enjoy hiding behind the Estate Agent. Most of the public erroneously thinks that, once an offer has been accepted on a property in England and Wales, it is sold - it’s not. Until contracts have been exchanged, anyone can pull out of a deal - buyer or seller - and 20 per cent of people do. That’s a lot of heartache, and lost money.

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LET’S EXAMINE SOME PROBLEMS AND SEE WHO REALLY IS TO BLAME The buyer pulls out as the deal takes too long: it could be for a number of reasons, none the fault of the agent. The solicitors could be slow but it’s much easier to blame the agent rather than a lawyer.

The buyer’s finance could be slow or have failed: again the seller will rail against the agent who is powerless. The seller might have been slow getting all the paperwork together, which again is outside the agent’s control.

The most emotive issues tend to revolve around how buyers and sellers conduct themselves on the subject of money. The seller can decide to accept a higher offer, known as gazumping: but why is this an agent’s fault?

If 20 people see a property before a sale is agreed and one decides to come back at a later

date and make a higher offer, we face criminal charges if we fail to report this. It’s the seller that agrees to cut another deal, not the agent, yet more often than not it is seen as the agent’s fault.

Similarly, if a buyer decides that something is wrong with the property or if there is a legal problem and they try to cut the price - gazundering - it’s hardly the agent’s fault but somehow they will be left to feel responsible.

Quick offers, especially at the asking price, sound great but more often than not sellers think it’s too quick, worrying that their property is undervalued, and of course the buyer will take it out on the agent as they’re offering what was asked. Best bids are a recipe for universal ire. You have five buyers and the price ends up over the asking price. The seller thinks you got the original price wrong, the winning buyer thinks they’ve paid too much and the unsuccessful buyers blame the agent. Seemingly everyone’s left with a bitter taste.

But there is one very good reason why you should love your agent. Very few property dreams come true without one.

It may surprise you but only 20 per cent or so of the work an agent does goes into advertising your property or putting details on one of the massive property portals.

As an agent we tread a delicate course between counselling the buyer of the reality of the situation and smoothing the way with our ability to negotiate between the buyer and seller. It’s not the done thing always to present others with an honest appraisal of the problems so eighty per cent of our time is reserved for the bit that cajoles, begs, drives, counsels, buys, kicks, obsesses over and finesses all the elements mentioned above.

So ultimately, who would you rather blame, your immediately accessible and vulnerable estate agent or the government who we can blame for everything including the rain.

• Goodwin Property Services, 2-3 St John’s St, Stamford PE9 2DA. Tel: 01780 750000 www.goodwinproperty.co.uk

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advert 2013 - stam merc art:Layout 1

1/5/13

22:43

Page 3

goodwinpropertyservices.co.uk

London Property Exhibition

of selling?

Are you thinking of Thinking moving ... us advertise your property and don’t knowLetwho to turn to? in our London Property Exhibition.

Five reasons that set us apart :

The exhibition will focus and on properties for of the most recognisable •Being one sale ininour area andusthe benefits of popular brands the local area provides with a competitive edge. living in and around Stamford

- we know •A local branch with local people 15th 16th February 2016 the people, the schools and the area.

at 121 Park Lane, Mayfair, London W1K 7AG (Nr Marble Arch Tube Station)

•Our central location within Stamford Town

Centre means we are perfectly placed to ensure all our properties receive maximum exposure.

•Our independent status means we have the

ability to adapt to the changing market and the needs of our clients.

•We have dedicated specialists to advise on all aspects of Residential Sales, Lettings and Financial Services.

we take the time, so you can enjoy the moment

•

goodwin

www.goodwinpropertyservices.co.uk

Residential Sales • Lettings • Mortgages

01780 750000 2-3 St John’s Street, Stamford, Lincs PE9 2DA

goodwinpropertyservices.co.uk

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Visit our Stamford showroom, on Bath Row opposite Adnam’s Wine Store 01780 762579 WWW.DELCOR.CO.UK 26

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Advertisement Feature

Moore buyers registering from London than ever before! We ask Vernon Moore why?

M

oores Estate Agents have been established in the region for over a decade and their meticulous knowledge of the property market in Stamford, Rutland and the surrounding area is second to none. Managing Director, Vernon Moore has twenty five years’ experience in local agency and tells Amander Meade why innovation coupled with traditional values is the secret to his company’s ongoing success.

The Stamford Branch has moved to a new suite of offices in Sheep Market recently, what else is new for Moores this year?

Our philosophy this year is to take a step back from a very crowded and confusing market place and embrace all that was great about a ‘traditional’ agency. We have recognised that to anyone buying or selling a house it’s always the personal service they receive that really counts.

Having undoubtedly revolutionised the industry, the internet can also often prove to be an obstacle to a successful property search as anyone who has spent fruitless hours trawling property sites can tell you. Clients often discard properties that could be suitable for them and waste time viewing homes that a good agent could have told them were unsuitable.

All Moores clients are assigned to a single member of our sales team who will have visited all the properties in their portfolio personally and are contactable at any time of the day or evening. Gaining a thorough understanding of each client’s requirements means we can cut down on wasted viewings and even arrange visits to suitable properties not yet listed on line – particularly those being marketed within our discreet service. It sounds very simple but it’s all about scrupulous service and unrivalled local knowledge.

Stamford and Rutland both topped ‘Best Place to Live’ polls recently, have you seen an effect in sales?

Most certainly – the secret is very much out now that both Stamford and Rutland have been ‘discovered’ nationally. The Sunday Times accolade for Stamford convinced many Londoners that Stamford was a great option for them. Flexible working practices offered by so many companies have meant a surge of families from the south of England maximising their equity and moving here whilst being able to maintain career links with London if they need to. The whole area has so much to offer in terms of lifestyle and education and not just the private schools – we have superb non-fee paying primary and secondary schools which make the region incredibly desirable to families. Since the region topped the polls, we have had record numbers of interested applicants registering from out of the

area, all keen to find property which is great news for vendors.

Moores is the first choice in agency for many local people. How is the local market performing?

In recent years, the local market has been hampered by the banks’ reluctance to lend which has frustrated people keen to move. I am delighted that 2016 has been reversing that trend with Moores receiving a record number of requests for valuations and registered sales from the start of the year. There is a huge amount of new building going on across both Rutland and Stamford which is allowing first time buyers to remain living locally, aided by government initiatives which have certainly helped.

Similarly, downsizers selling larger family homes are able to find smaller properties in the area thanks to the ‘churn’ that new building provides.

Moores are always at the forefront of innovation in estate agency, what plans do you have for 2016?

We always try and think creatively for our vendors and have had great success promoting homes through our London office and military relocation networks which help us reach as many active buyers as possible and we always market all our homes from a variety of angles. Last month we opened our latest branch on the London Platform of Grantham Railway Station. The idea came to me whilst I was waiting for a train myself and I noticed the extraordinarily varied demographic of my fellow passengers. Inspired by the retailers at Kings Cross Station, the branch has a coffee bar feel and is designed to whet the appetite of those passing through.

Do you still have a passion for property?

I do – in fact we all do. My wife and fellow Director Jenny is a qualified lawyer and deals with our conveyancing and all the team are specialists in their field. Personally, I am genuinely still thrilled by every deal closed – after all that’s what we are here for.

Contact: The team at Moores are delighted to offer valuations and advice on all aspects of buying, selling and letting property. They are available to contact via branch offices in Oakham, Stamford, Melton, Uppingham, London and on the London platform at Grantham Railway Station.

• Oakham Office – Tel: 01572 757979 - Stamford Office – Tel: 01780 484555. Full contact details can be found at www.mooresestateagents.com

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ASK LEO SPECIAL

Stamford hotel

Sue Lee and Jean Orpin have been investigating the history of one of Stamford’s notable buildings.

Vestibule as it might have looked in the 1840s

The Beginnings – Gerard Noel The Stamford Hotel was built by Gerard Noel of Exton Park.

He had inherited the estate (although not the title Earl of Gainsborough) from his uncle in 1798. Politically he was a bit of a maverick, tending to follow individuals and causes that appealed to him. He had been MP for Rutland from 1788 mainly supporting Pitt and the Tories. In the early 19C century he let his son hold the Rutland seat and became briefly involved in Stamford’s politics. The seat had been held by the Tories for over 70 years but Noel fell out with the Earl of Exeter and joined the Whigs supporting their candidate, Oddy.

Exeter was not pleased that anyone dared to oppose him and there was a bitter rivalry between the two sides with Exeter evicting tenants and the opposition building Protection Place & Billings Buildings to house them. The story is told that Exeter had Oddy thrown out of the George so Gerard Noel decided to build his own hotel!

In 1809, he bought the Black Bull, a medieval coaching inn with extensive stabling on St Mary’s St. Assuming he could knock down St Mary’s Church, he commissioned a young London architect, John Linnell Bond, to design a new classical façade to dominate St Mary’s Square. He was surprised that even when he offered a large sum to the ecclesiastical authorities he wasn’t allowed to demolish the church so surmounted the building with the figure of Justice (designed by Mr Rosse RA) to be seen from Burghley House. Noel used stone from his own quarries at Ketton and Roche stone from Yorkshire. The design was very modern with a vestibule, office and elegant staircase lit by a lantern. The yards behind retained some of the older buildings of the Black Bull including stabling and a tap room. It reputedly cost £40,000 to build.

In the event Oddy was defeated in 1809 and had to stand down at the next election due to bankruptcy. Noel stood himself but was also unsuccessful. Straitened circumstances including a fire at Exton Hall meant that the Hotel was unfinished and did not come into proper use until it was leased in 1825 to Thomas Standwell – ironically a Tory supporter.

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The Early Years – Thomas Standwell In October 1825 Thomas Standwell announced that his elegant and spacious hotel on St Mary’s St, adjoining the Great North Road was now open. It provided rooms of ‘a superior kind for persons of rank’.

Officially it was called Standwell’s Imperial Family Hotel but was generally referred to just as ‘The Hotel’. This indicated its difference to other hostelries in the town which were referred to as Inns. The Hotel had 27 apartments; dining and card rooms; meeting rooms and a suite of supper rooms. The ballroom was 51ft long, 27ft wide and 30ft high and the spacious bedrooms had dressing rooms. It was licensed to let post horses and had its own newsroom, a billiard table and a cockpit.

It was not long before Standwell went into partnership with a London hotelier but he remained in control for 20 years during which time he became a well-known resident of the town. He was appointed Clerk of the Stamford Race Course for several seasons and also acted as an undertaker.

There remains a slight air of mystery about an accident in which Thomas Standwell’s sister, Elizabeth, fell from the hotel roof in August 1827. She was epileptic and in the press it was suggested that she was sleepwalking when she fell 45ft from the parapet.

She survived but died in November due to the injuries she had sustained.

In 1829, 35y year old Thomas Standwell married 18 year old Mary Wilders, the daughter of Mr Wilders of the Exeter Arms Inn at Casterton. By the mid-1840s when it was rumoured that the Earl of Gainsborough was to sell the property the couple had several children and were sufficiently well off to take on a farm of 240 acres at Casterton From the beginning of Standwell’s time auctions were held on the premises and several coaches were diverted from other inns to stop at there. The hotel had a considerable coaching trade. There was stabling for 60 horses and in 1837 thirty regular

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Stamford Hotel about 1900

coach services passed through Stamford. It was possible to travel to London, Cromer, Sheffield, Norwich, Doncaster, Oxford, Leamington, Nottingham, Leeds, Cambridge and Boston.

The Newcomb Era In 1845 the Earl of Gainsborough (Noel’s son) decided to sell the hotel. It was bought by Richard Newcomb, a Liberal supporter and the owner of the Stamford Mercury, for £9,850.

Newcomb had bought a considerable amount of property in the town to challenge the powerful Burghley estate. The Hotel had been a centre of ‘Red’ Tory support for many years and Newcomb returned it to its original ‘Blue’ Liberal allegiance.

At first the coaching trade continued to be important but with the advent of the railway this trade disappeared which was a devastating blow to the town’s inns and hotels, especially when the main north south line bypassed Stamford. By 1852 only one coach travelled through Stamford and many inns closed.

The Stamford Hotel survived by providing many other functions. Messrs Richardsons, the auctioneers of Barn Hill, held regular auctions in the hotel. Furniture, china, residential and trade property were all sold there. In 1876 there was an unusual request to auction Jersey and Alderney cows in the hotel yard!

Many societies used the meeting rooms and held social events in the hotel. The Stamford Horticultural Society held their Shows on the premises. Many prominent citizens and the clergy were on the Committee and the principal families of the neighbourhood including the Marquess of Exeter, J. M. Wingfield of Tickencote Hall and Lord Burghley of Ketton Hall exhibited fruit, flowers and vegetables.

As the need for stabling was reduced, shops filled some of the area around the Hotel Yard

and Hare’s, the High St draper, had an entrance there. Locked garaging for six cars was also provided.

In the early 20th century, the Hotel was still a centre for the social life of the town and the Mayor held a banquet there in 1905; however it suffered from poor trade and restrictions imposed during the First World War. Paper shortages, high costs and competition resulted in the circulation of the Stamford Mercury being halved between 1912 and 1918 reducing the income of the Newcombs.

In October 1919, despite the poor post-war market and advice against the sale, Zita ToddNewcomb instructed Richardsons to auction all her Stamford property including the Stamford Hotel. The sale went ahead and it was sold to Hostelries Ltd. for £4,450, half the price Richard Newcomb had paid for it. The Mercury kept the north and west part of the hotel yard for their own use and in 1936 these parts and the cockpit were demolished when they redeveloped the site.

Stamford Hotel 2016

ASK LEO – ANIMALS AROUND STAMFORD - ANSWERS 1. The lions are guarding Wildcats below.

2. 140yrs – the date stone is 1876.

3. Sheep were sold here – it is still called Sheepmarket.

4. 10 more sets of antlers in the herd on the Cosy Café walls 5. Leo thinks it is a Winged Cow! 6. There is a Dove above the lamb 7. The other animals illustrated are a Sheep and a Cow (or ox) 8. The pig is at the end of St Michael’s and Elizabeth is engraved on the gravestone opposite.

9. Lions are holding the crown.

10. The window is in memory of Harry Vines.

11. There are 3 owls on the pulpit.

12. The horses are part of the plaster decoration on the entrance hall walls of The George. Above the horse is a Dragon.

Moving On The building changed hands again before it ceased to be used as a hotel in the 1950s and was eventually sold to a development company who created Stamford Walk in 1983. Today Chez Soi occupy the main rooms on the ground floor and the Welland School of Dancing the ballroom on the upper floor. Several smaller shops are housed in other parts and around the old hotel yard.

It is still possible to see the quality of the building, as the outside is unchanged. The former entrance retains its black and white tiled floor, the plaster ceilings and elegant staircase with its roof lantern light. With a little bit of imagination it is easy to bring to mind the heyday of Stamford Hotel.

The quiz was in the January issue

Ask Leo would like to hear from you.

Email them at askleo@btinternet.com

STAMFORD LIVING FEBRUARY 2016

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PERSPECTIVES

Stamford’s buskers Ever noticed the two exceptionally scruffy young lads playing folk music in the centre of Stamford? Georgie Fenn catches up with them…

P

PHOTO: ADAM RIMMER

LEASE step back in time with me, to when you were slightly less boring, actually eating and god forbid maybe even drinking too, ah Christmas Eve… Amidst the hustle and bustle of last-minute (dare I say it) Christmas shopping, things start to get a bit tedious. Even in the lovely Stamford, one wonders whether it’s actually possible to walk from Walkers bookshop to M&S, without keeling over. When suddenly out of nowhere your legs find a rhythm to walk to, you’re suddenly quite upbeat – is that a jig I can hear in the background you ponder? Indeed it is, the two buskers in question are Felix Carr and Benjamin Rimmer, and here is a little snippet of their stories so far.

We shall begin with a young Benjamin Rimmer, “I can’t quite think why I began to explore music...but I remember being around four years old when I began to nag my parents for lessons,” he says. “I used to make violins out of paper, walking around the house pretending I could play.” Finally though, by the age of five he took up learning an actual violin with a teacher just outside Stamford. Benjamin also picked up the saxophone and taught himself piano throughout this time too. However, during his early teens he admits to becoming disillusioned by much of the exam-culture that surrounded musical-education, leading him to drop the violin for a couple of years and seek other musical avenues. It wasn’t until around the age of 15, jamming with Felix and exploring folk music together, that Benjamin reconnected with the violin and has never looked back since.

“This was a real release - it was at this time I remembered what music really was and what it is truly for.”

Felix is from quite a musical family and started playing the guitar when he was seven while at school; “it was a nice release from day to day life really, just something enjoyable to do,” he says. After bonding through folk music with Benjamin, the pair set about meeting regularly to busk. “The thing I love about folk music is that in this age of information, it’s survived by being passed down the years by word of mouth, example and live events,” says Felix. “It has survived for years without anyone feeling the need to properly record it, it’s like another language.” So, to make a bit of cash and to release the tension of commonplace life, Felix and Ben regularly took to Stamford High Street to help the public go about their day.

The pair are currently on separate quests: Felix is in his final year of Fine Art at Glasgow School of Art where he specialises in painting; and Benjamin is also in his fourth and final year studying Composition at Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London. With aspirations to become a composer for concert and for film, Benjamin is one to look out for. So far,

he has written several string arrangements and even begun a small career writing for other people. They include Eleanor Turner, Nicolas Barker and most recently, Redlight; “I had three days to score-out and co-arrange some strings for Redlight with a friend,” says Ben. “I really loved the intensity of this work.” You can listen to the finished piece now; you’ll find it under Redlight - Threshold on Youtube (listen out for the strings!) Felix is going down quite an abstract road with his painting, he describes it as “conceptual, historical with a bit of symbolism and irony in there too,” it sounds like the perfect recipe for greatness. So I implore you to remember these names, then when they’re both big and famous you can say, “Actually I know them, they were from Stamford”.

STAMFORD GIG GUIDE – FEBRUARY: Sunday 7th February 4pm-6pm – Mama Liz’s Sunday sessions present Pennyless, FREE Wednesday 17th February 7:30pm – The Tannahill Weavers (Scottish traditional band) at Stamford Arts Centre www.stamfordartscentre.com Saturday 20th February 9pm – The Blazing Saddles at The Green Man, FREE Saturday 20th February 7pm - Uppingham Midwinter Ball at Uppingham School, with music from local band: The Supernovas, tickets £50, contact uppinghammidwinterball@googlemail.com Friday 26th February 7:30pm – The Tin Pigeons and George Simpson support Howard Rose at The Soundhouse in Leicester, Visit The Tin Pigeons Facebook page Saturday 27th February 7pm – Think Floyd at Stamford Corn Exchange, tickets £19, www.stamfordcornexchange.co.uk STAMFORD LIVING FEBRUARY 2016

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SHOPPING

Show your love with gifts Valentine’s Day is fast approaching, and what better excuse to shower your loved ones with gifts! You don’t need to leave Stamford for this mission, our shops are full of gorgeous presents for everyone.

Words and pictures: Elli Dean

J&H leather wallet, £59 from Robinson’s

12 Grand Prix roses, hand tied, £70, Flower House Stamford

acelet Sterling silver br s am nh De m fro 77 £1

ck with heart padlo

B.Sultry in night & peach by b.tem pt’d (Bra £34, Garter belt £19, Thong £1 5) from Poze Linge rie

Summer of 86, Ma ison Scotch Jumper, £65 fro m Energy

gs rs & Thon Suspende , ra B n , o le le e ere om Cham Simone P & £30) fr (£46, £22

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Reversible head band, £42.95 from Robinson’s

STAMFORD LIVING FEBRUARY 2016

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Swarovski Cupid necklace, £74 from You & Beyond

Stan Smith Adidas trainers, £72 from Energy Hamburg Adidas trainers, £72 from Energy

Heart necklace, £16 from Baubles & Bangles

Men Boxer, £25 from Chameleon

gy p, £45 from Ener Maison Scotch to Amethyst tear drop earrings (gold plated brass), £45 from Snow Designs

Hand bag decoration, £10 from Baubles & Bangles

Ties, £30 from Gagliardi £35 Bicycle leather wine holder,

from Snow Designs STAMFORD LIVING FEBRUARY 2016

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UPDATES

Stamford Singers S

tamford Singers is a mixed voice chamber choir, made up of enthusiastic singers drawn from Stamford and surrounding areas. Formed in October 2007 by Paul White, at that time Musical Director of Stamford Choral Society and Director of Music at Stamford School, its inaugural concert was given in Belgium at the invitation of Kalison, a professional brass ensemble, with whom it shared the concert platform.

Over the years since its formation the choir has developed a broad range of repertoire, both sacred and secular, which enables it to combine local fundraising concerts with occasional visits to cities up and down the country to sing services in cathedrals when their own choirs are on vacation. Highlights of these visits have included trips to sing in the cathedrals of Wells, Lichfield and Winchester, York Minster and Westminster Abbey.

The choir has adopted local charity, The Evergreen Care Trust, and aims to give a concert locally at least once a year to raise much needed funds for this worthwhile cause. In addition, the choir is regularly invited by local churches and organisations to give concerts as part of their own fundraising activities.

The choir meets for rehearsals on Wednesday evenings, coinciding mostly with school term times, in Trinity Methodist Church, Barn Hill, Stamford from 7.45pm to 9.30pm and enquiries are always welcome from potential new members or organisations looking to fundraise.

• More details of the type of repertoire the choir performs, and past and future activities can be found on its website at www.stamfordsingers.org which also gives details of current rehearsal dates and how to make contact. Alternatively, choir administrator, Lesley Kirby, can be contacted by phone on 01780 749424.

SES students receive Oxbridge offers S

even SES pupils have received conditional offers to attend either Oxford or Cambridge and study for their degrees. Six pupils from Stamford High School and one from Stamford School have been offered places.

SES has a strong tradition of its students gaining entry to these universities and it is extremely encouraging that these figures are on the rise. Competition for places at these prominent universities is always high, and these students have done remarkably well in receiving these offers.

Jasmine Farrow (Y13) has been offered the chance to study Natural Sciences, (Biological) at Selwyn College. Caitlin Findlay (Y13) has been offered to read English at Newnham College. Martha Radbourne (Y13) is set to study History at Pembroke College.

Catherine Leake, a SHS leaver last year has been offered to study Human Social and Political Sciences (HSPS) at Pembroke College. Current Head Girl, Colette Russell, (Y13) has been offered to read Medicine at Fitzwilliam. Marek Sklenka (Y13) is set to study Natural Sciences (Physical) at Churchill College and Issie Thomas (Y13) has received an offer to read French and Spanish at Trinity College. Principal of the Stamford Endowed Schools, Stephen Roberts, said “The students have put a massive amount of hard work in preparation for their Cambridge entrance and I am delighted that so many have gained offers.”

Rising interest rates, is now the time to review your mortgage?

D

espite regular warnings in 2015 of an imminent rise in interest rates, the moment never came - something which was a relief to many millions of homeowners but less welcome for savers across the country. However, experts seem even more certain that a rate rise really IS on the cards in 2016, and this is backed up by Mark Carney, Governor of the Bank of England, who has warned that the Bank of England base rate will rise, albeit slowly, this year.

So with a rate rise on the horizon, now could be the time to look again at your mortgage, to ensure you are on the best deal to suit your needs. There are a wide range of mortgages out there, including discounted and capped rates, variable and fixed rates. What is most appropriate for you will depend on your circumstances - both now and in the future.

Given that a mortgage is one of the most important financial commitments an individual is likely to undertake, seeking the right help or advice is important. At Handelsbanken you can be assured of the very best advice and support from an advisor local to you.

Richard Harrison of Handelsbanken Peterborough says: “We are a local bank providing a traditional banking service. Our emphasis is always on building strong relationships with our customers and providing them with a service that meets their needs. Importantly, as a bank we have no sales targets, neither are we incentivised by bonuses or commissions. Our focus is therefore on making the right decisions for our customers, taken at a local level by managers who know you best.”

If you are looking for any help or advice then do feel free to come and talk to Handelsbanken Peterborough, either in person or over the telephone. Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.

• Richard Harrison, Handelsbanken First floor, Futura House, 4 Axon, Commerce Road. Lynch Wood, Peterborough, PE2 6LR Tel: 01733 238183

Pictured (Left to right) Back; Jasmine Farrow, Colette Russell and Marek Sklenka. Front; Catherine Leake, Caitlin Findlay and Martha Radbourne.

Not Pictured; Issie Thomas.

STAMFORD LIVING FEBRUARY 2016

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DESIGN SOLUTIONS

Wood Burners in the World of Interiors

My dog, my Stove, and I

Rannveig Stone discusses the advantages of installing a wood burning stove

A

S an Interior Designer I see the attraction of installing a wood burner. It creates a warm, cosy atmosphere and a sense of luxury.

I have no doubt that it enriches the curb appeal of your property adding a focal point and a solid feature piece that a lot of modern housing lacks. To help those toying with the idea I decided to ask local experts Chris and Emma Isaac of The Stamford Garden Centre and The Sack Store in Boston to answer the ‘burning’ questions…

Q WHAT IS A WOOD BURNER? A Wood Burning Stove is a heating appliance that has evolved mainly from Scandinavia, where the climate in the winter is extremely cold and an open fire is insufficient to give the required temperature and cooking ability. They are a solid metal closed appliance with an adjustable air control that allows you the option to slow down the rate of burn and control the heat output.

Q WHAT SPECIFICATION SHOULD I BE LOOKING FOR? Stoves vary in quality and efficiency which then affects the ability to operate the stove and the length of burn time and the kilowatt output you can produce from the stove. Most stove manufacturers have a range of stoves, small medium and large ranging from 1-5kw 2-8kw and 2-14kw. Flue sizes vary from 5” to 8” diameter, with the most popular being the mid size 6” diameter. Most stoves can be either top or back outlet and again individual manufacturers will vary.

Q WILL THE SIZE OF THE ROOM DETERMINE THE SIZE OF THE STOVE? Many manufacturers will recommend that you size the stove to the room - there is a simple calculation to work this out which your local stove company will be happy to undertake.

That having been said, there are many other factors to take into account such as age of the property and thus insulation, room design – open plan or otherwise - and ceiling heights to name but a few but which all will help assess the most suitable stove for your individual setting.

Q THERE IS A DEBATE AS TO WHETHER WOOD BURNING STOVES LEAVE A LARGE CARBON FOOT PRINT. HOW DO THEY IMPACT ON THE ENVIRONMENT? The main point that is relevant is the fact that stoves burn this generation’s carbon which is in our own lifetime. Most of the timber we burn is less than 50 years old and not carbon from the Triassic/ Jurassic period commonly known as fossils fuels which has been proved to have been altering our climate.

Q ARE THERE ANY SAFETY ISSUES? Because stoves are a closed appliance, that is they have doors which close and an insulated flue system, they are far safer than an open fire. It is imperative however that they are fitted in accordance with the regulations (Document J of the Building Regulations) and by a HETAS registered fitter under supervision by a contracts manager or equivalent. Stoves nowadays are easy to light and can burn for long periods unattended. This ability builds up residual heat in the home and thereby creates unparalleled warmth and comfort for your enjoyment.

Q WHAT FUEL WILL I NEED TO USE? With the advent of the new generation of very efficient stoves burning wood has never been so efficient therefore there is no longer the need to burn coal. Types of wood vary. We recommend the Wood Fire Hand - the complete guide to a perfect fire - by Vincent Thurkettle (available from Sack Store, Boston or Stamford Garden Centre at the offer price of £9.99)

40

The Sack store; Clearview Vision 500

Q DO YOU HAVE A PREFERRED MAKE / MODEL? Clearview offer a very unique range of stoves. Jonathan and Helen, the innovators of the Clearview brand, are passionate about the environment and believe trees are the perfect energy source and have developed their stoves into Britain’s leading brand of clean burning stoves - made with ultra modern stove production facilities in the Shropshire hills with traditional hand finishing techniques. Clearview produce the best, most efficient and reliable stoves available.

Q WHAT WOULD YOU SAY TO A FUTURE CUSTOMER TO CONCLUDE? It is not unusual for our customers to tell us it is the best purchase they have ever made and what pleasure it brings to their lives. For customers who use their stove regularly it becomes a life long friend providing not only warmth and reliability and a cosy home but comfort and pleasure in the flames which are often described as winter sunshine during those long winter months …

Now when it comes to the installation, costs depend on your requirements.

Customers need to allow for the price of the wood burner, the installation fee, the flue and whether scaffolding is needed to install this. On top may be the building work necessary to open up the fireplace and the finishes to the recess, hearth and the surround. So it is best to speak directly to a wood burner specialist to assess this and arrange a survey.

I have found my wood burners to be pretty maintenance free but remember that the flue will need sweeping each year. Some stoves offer matching paint to patch up any chips that may occur over years of use. You could even go one step further and change the colour of your stove entirely!

Modern Stoves are designed to be fully controllable and efficient. You can keep them burning at a relatively low heat to take the edge off and boost them up in the evening when a little extra output is wanted. There are many different styles from contemporary to traditional so there will be a stove out there to suit your home and your needs, whatever your taste.

STAMFORD LIVING FEBRUARY 2016

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I

was brought up in an old Edwardian property, where as a child I had to get dressed under the duvet in the mornings to stay warm. That all changed when my parents installed a modern efficient wood burner. Our home became cosy on a cold winter’s day, and I could get dressed like a normal person!

Similarly my Husband and I have lived for years with the heating continuously on

and electric oil radiators plugged into every room. Our utility company actually thought we were a small business! Since installing our wood burners, our previously ‘freezing’ house has overall background warmth. The edge has been taken off. I’m convinced this will reduce our energy bills.

Some have described the effect of watching a burning flame through clear glass as a non alcoholic stress buster,

a great tonic for this generation’s long working hours and stressful jobs. If you are contemplating installing a wood burner I firmly believe it will be a positive addition to your home. A wood burner is the 21st century period feature, and a great selling point. Speak to one of your local suppliers for more information, visit friends who already have them and then just go for it, your home is worth it!

Dovre Vintage

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The Sack Store Boston / Stamford Garden Centre, Casterton Rd, Stamford, PE9 4BB Tel: 01780 765656. www.sackstorestamford.co.uk Stamford Multifuel Stoves, Hambleton House, Bainton, Stamford PE9 3AETel: 01780 740997 Stamford Plumbing, Unit 1, Station Rd Business Park, Barnack, Stamford, PE9 2EF Tel: 01780 482039. www.plumbingstamford.co.uk Heatsource, 35 High St E, Uppingham, LE15 9PY Tel: 01572 829953 www.heatsource-of-uppingham.co.uk Lamb’s, 22 St. Peter’s Street, Stamford, PE9 2PF Tel: 01780 763 250 Coles for Fires, 7 Orion Way, Kettering Business Park, Northamptonshire NN15 6NL Tel: 01536 410777. www.colesforfires.co.uk Aspect Fires, 37 Market St, Peterborough, PE7 1BA. Tel: 01733 202220. www.aspectfires.co.uk Country Fires, 118 Ainsdale Dr, Peterborough PE4 6RP Tel: 07812 032546. www.countryfires.com Lincolnshire Limestone – Fireplaces www.stamfordstone.co.uk STAMFORD LIVING FEBRUARY 2016

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Fireside log storage To tie in with our feature on wood burners, Elli Dean searched our local stores for log baskets and storage. Here are just some of our finds. Do pop in, as there is much more choice in store.

Giant log basket (but also available in a selection of smaller sizes), £149 from Harrison & Dunn

A selection of Log Baskets from £35 from Sack Store at Stamford Garden Centre

Antique solid copper cooling pot that can be used as a log bin, £175 from H-Works Large Armorial Log Bin, £235 from Delcor

Log Bin £199 from Sack Store at Stamford Garden Centre

log basket, £24.95 from Lambs If you want to look further afield, online retailer Fireplace Products, offer a choice of contemporary and wall hanging storage: www.fireplaceproducts.co.uk

Two-shade log basket at various sizes from £19.88 from Harrison & Dunn

Log, Kindling & Matches set, £64.99 from Lambs

Heraldic Log Bin, £185 from Delcor

Coal & Log bin, £18.99 from Lambs

Coal & Log bin, £56.99 from Lambs STAMFORD LIVING FEBRUARY 2016

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11+ Testing and Year 7 Admissions Information Evening Parents who currently have a child in Year 5 are warmly invited to attend an information evening at Bourne Grammar School on Tuesday 1st March 2016 at 7.00pm Bourne Grammar School, South Road, Bourne, Lincolnshire, PE10 9JE Email: admissions@bourne-grammar.lincs.sch.uk Website: www.bourne-grammar.lincs.sch.uk

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The Lady Rothschild Dairy COUNTRY HOLIDAY HOUSES

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hree luxury self-catering holiday houses located on the famous Ashton Estate surrounded by wildflower meadows, rolling farmland and magical woodlands – the perfect country retreat. The houses are finished with an emphasis on quality, in a style that is both comfortable and elegantly modern. The solid oak finishes and natural features make each house individual. The Lady Rothschild Dairy is of exceptional architectural interest and has been awarded Grade II* listed status.

The Constable House – Sleeps 9 + 3 The Turner House – Sleeps 8 + 2 The Gainsborough House – Sleeps 8

Adult Speciality

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Tel: 01780 758556 www.psychologistuk.co.uk Orion House, 14, Barn Hill, Stamford, PE9 2AE

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Dr Alexandra Dent Website: www.ashtonestatecountryholidays.co.uk Email: estateoffice@ashton.ohllimited.com Tel: 01832 272264 / 07831 855206

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PERSPECTIVES

A helping hand Alysia Anderson talks to two local practitioners about ways to improve your personal and business performance as well as manage stress in your life BUSINESS MENTORING AND COACHING Liz Makin has been running her business mentoring and coaching company, Makin It Happen, in Stamford for over a decade. Her clients are mostly senior business people, often running their own companies. Liz supports them with their business and personal performance at work, as well as stress management. I asked Liz what had inspired her to start her company. “I spent several years working as the MD for Thomas Cook Holidays in Peterborough. The business grew rapidly from 50 people to over a thousand. After the merger with BA Holidays, I had to decide whether to continue with the corporate life, working very long hours, or whether to go out on my own.” With children still at school, Liz decided that running her own business would give her the flexibility to be more involved in their lives while also putting her experience to good use. “I had broad business knowledge and experience that meant I could relate to the kinds of issues business owners, directors and senior management encounter.”

Liz realised that she was good at listening to people and supporting them with their thinking, enabling them to talk about their work challenges and goals and come to a resolution and way forward. Liz explained: “I’m a neutral outsider who can listen and then present the situation back to them in a way that lets them see it differently. Often, the perceived issue will be the starting point but may turn out not to be the real problem.” (pull-out quote in red) Examples of areas clients need support with range from developing a business strategy, increasing profitability, cash flow or personnel problems to stress, decision making and time management or even coping with the success of their company. “I had a client whose company was growing fast and who needed help with the next steps, including learning how to delegate.” Some clients are still with Liz after several years while others only need a few coaching sessions to clarify an issue. Liz offers the first session free to see if she can genuinely

help the client, with no obligation to take her on.

Liz also writes articles which can be read free on her website www.makinithappen.co.uk.

These cover topics such as Managing Change, Losing a Big Client or Dealing with Difficult People. Liz has also written an e-book, 50 Stress Management Tips for Business Owners, Directors, Managers and Professionals, which is available on Amazon. After meeting Liz, I felt inspired to tackle my own issues in a positive way and, judging by the dozens of glowing client testimonials from her clients, I’m not the only one. While Liz’s clients are located nationwide, she says there is a thriving business scene in Stamford. “Employment is very high and a common problem is finding staff.

One client employs mums, as they are often extremely well qualified and very hardworking.

By being flexible with their hours and allowing job shares, this has really helped the business.”

• To contact Liz, call 01780 765270 or visit her website.

SOLUTION-FOCUSED HYPNOTHERAPY Christine Beardwood is a qualified hypnotherapist running her own practice in Bourne, specialising in Solution Focused Clinical Hypnotherapy. Christine explained: “This method uses the clinically proven techniques of therapies such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and Neuro Linguistic Programming and combines them with trance to make important positive changes within a short period of time.” By understanding the implications of stress and anxiety upon your life, Christine uses her skills as a hypnotherapist to resolve unwelcome habits and thought patterns at a subconscious level. She admits that hypnotherapy is sometimes regarded with suspicion. “Contrary to myth, a hypnotherapist can’t take control of your mind and while in trance you retain full control at all times including the ability to accept or reject a suggestion. When in trance you are fully aware of your surroundings and you can’t be made to do anything that you would not consciously do.”

Christine offers a free first session to clients and can help treat a range of problems, from weight loss, sleep disorders and smoking to coping with public speaking or improving business performance. “Hypnosis is a natural, safe and gentle way to treat many conditions such as emotional, nervous and psychological problems. It’s also a powerful tool for motivation and performing to your best potential either in sports, the arts, business or personal performance.

Neuroscience research tells us that by rehearsing and visualizing your goals, performance is improved. While in trance our brains have access to the unconscious mind, allowing thoughts, feelings, images, sensations and behaviour to become highlighted. Trance allows access to certain brain waves associated with creativity; we are able to combine lateral and previously unconnected associations to forge new ideas.”

• To contact Christine, visit www.beardwoodhynotherapy.co.uk or call 07809 690964.

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UPDATES

Property of the Month

TeamGeorge 6 Hour Charity Indoor Cycling Event E

mma Brewster is hosting a charity event on Sunday 31st January to raise funds for TeamGeorge at Westside Health & Fitness Club, Stamford. She will be delivering a 6 hour Indoor Cycling event, starting at 9:10am. What/Who is TeamGeorge? George Robinson is an Upper 6th student at Stamford School. In July 2015 George joined the School on a rugby tour to South Africa where George incurred a serious spinal cord injury.

Emma aims to raise £1000 to support George with his ongoing specialist care and long term rehabilitation. You can ride the whole 6 hours OR just join for an hour OR a couple...every little helps. Minimum £5 contribution per hour per bike (if you wish to do the whole 6 hours it would be a minimum £30 contribution). There will be a short lunch break after the 3rd hour where there will be a Tuck Shop of goodies to purchase. There will also be a raffle.

• To find out more or participate, contact Emma Brewster on 07939 229727 or emmabrewsterpt@hotmail.com

13 Victoria Road, Stamford £500,000

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et within easy walking distance of the town centre and the Recreation Ground, on a quiet no through road, this five bedroom family home offers well finished versatile accommodation over three floors.

The property comes equipped with solar panels, uPVC double glazing and gas fired central heating system which all together make the property very efficient to run.

Entering the property you have a good sized breakfast kitchen with integrated appliances and range cooker, useful separate utility room, cosy living room with log burner, dining room and access to the garage on the ground floor. The first floor has a well appointed master bedroom with en-suite shower room, two further bedrooms and family bathroom. The second floor boasts two further bedrooms and a shower room.

To the front of the property is off-paved off-street parking which leads to the integral single garage, whilst to the rear is a landscaped garden with a patio area as well as a large lawned area with floral borders, unusual in properties in the town centre.

A viewing is highly recommended to appreciate the level of accommodation on offer so close to the town centre.

• 3 Star Lane, Stamford, Lincolnshire, PE9 1PH. Tel: 01780 754737 www.sowdenwallis.co.uk

Fresh Wheels Refrigeration Hire will drive your cooling forward F

resh Wheels understands the challenges associated with delivering high quality events.

Let them take the strain and ensure that you can store, prepare and serve food and drink at just the right temperature, delighting your customers and guests. Their modern, reliable, temperature controlled refrigeration and freezer trailers take the stress out of your event freeing you up to concentrate on those wow factors that keep customers coming back and win you new business. They are delivered to your venue and located to your preferences and convenience. They come in several different size options too.

• Contact them to discuss your needs. They are always willing to ensure you get the right facilities for your needs.Contact details: 01780 751313 or 07875 543065 contact@fresh-wheels.co.uk

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Uppingham Yarns Ltd U

ppingham Yarns Ltd. was founded in 1980 in a small shop in Uppingham. As the firm thrived, they moved several times within the town ending up at the current location at 30 North Street East. The business has a two storey warehouse and shop specialising in supplying yarns and fibre in many types and colours for Knitting, Weaving, Spinning and many other crafts. They are used as an ideal source for Fashion Designers, Students and Colleges. The Hand knitting section includes yarns by James Brett, King Cole, Adrifil, Robin, Wendy, and a new range of Bergere yarns.

They have recently become a Bergere partner, and now stock a good range of their Pattern books and yarns. As a result of this they will be organising a couple of Bergere presentations, dates to be announced in the spring.

The Machine Knitting and Weaving sections contain both stock and non-repeatable yarns, in many thicknesses from Cashmere, Lambswool, Silk, Glow in the dark, Conductive, Thermoformable and Reflective to name but a few. The Spinning and Felting sections contain fibres from Silk to Merino wool.

• Visit their Aladdin’s cave of yarns at 30 North Street East, Uppingham, LE15 9QL, or view www. wools.co.uk which has an online shop facility if required.

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Uppingham yarns

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DAY OUT

The Civil War Gallery is light, bright and packed with interest

Newark: showing off its history The National Civil War Centre in Newark is the first museum in the UK dedicated to telling the full story of the British Civil Wars. Sue Dobson thinks it’s well worth a visit

A

N epic and deadly struggle between King and Parliament in the 17th century, the British Civil War was the most devastating conflict in our nation’s history. It shaped our modern world yet surprisingly, until the £5.4m National Civil War Centre opened in Newark last year, there was nowhere in the UK that told its full story from start to finish.

The National Civil War Centre is housed in the restored Old Magnus building on Appletongate, a building that began life in 1529 as a Tudor grammar school, with additions in the Georgian and Victorian eras. The renovation has included a modern new section linking the historic rooms and resulting in a light, bright and inviting experience for visitors.

Telling the story of the civil wars in Britain and Ireland between 1638 and 1653, the Centre is packed with fascinating finds. There’s the petition from the people of Lincolnshire,

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delivered to the King in Newark, wishing him to reconcile with Parliament; and an exquisitely written letter from Newark’s governor asking the King’s soldier nephew, the dashing Prince Rupert of the Rhine, for help. Among the remarkable collection of coins are gold Unites, struck for Charles’ coronation, and a selection of rare siege coins, cut from ‘liberated’ silver into diamond shapes to reduce wastage and bearing the legend Newark OBS, an abbreviation from the Latin for ‘under siege’.

These were minted in Newark during the third siege, used to pay troops and issued to locals to buy food.

Colourful recreated banners of the warring factions hang from the ceiling and the complexities of the bloody conflict are explained well in displays that span arms and armour, cannonballs and clothing, storyboards, maps and models, pictures and period printed pamphlets. Scary looking surgical instruments

Heavy gold ‘Unite’ coins, dating from the 1620s, were struck to mark the unification of the crowns of England and Scotland include amputation saws and a musket ball extractor and there’s a gruesome hand brand that was used on felons and deserters. The palms of the men who suffered this treatment were permanently tattooed with an image of the crown.

The Centre uses objects alongside human stories from people in Newark and the surrounding area, so there is much that is personal about the exhibits. One poignant memento is a gold and enamel posy ring inscribed with the words ‘Let no calamity separate our amity’. Thanks to the quite recent discovery of boxes of Civil War period

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Diamond shaped ‘siege’ coins, minted to pay troops and locals, came in several denominations and varied in weight according to their value

The buff coat worn by the Nottingham regicide Colonel Francis Hacker, who fought for Parliament while his brothers supported the King. Press-ganged into signing the King’s death warrant, he attended the execution, accompanying Charles I as he walked to the scaffold documents, including accounts, receipts, petitions and bills, the story of the sieges is told from the perspective of ordinary citizens.

As well as looking and learning, visitors can dress up in 17th century-style clothing, try on and feel the weight of armour, wield replica weapons and become a virtual gunner.

A small cinema with expansive screens shows short professionally-made and acted films – so good they won two awards at the Cannes Film Festival last year. If you’ve got questions, the volunteer guides are friendly and knowledgeable.

Elsewhere in the building, attractivelyrenovated rooms host changing exhibitions, talks and events. Up in the attic, formerly the dormitory of the Old Magnus School, look for the graffiti and clearly visible names of R Disney 1608 and W B Darwin 1790. Two rooms off the Tudor Hall – not well signed, so do ask for direction – house the Newark Galleries, packed with local and social history spanning 2000 years. Among the artefacts on display are the press used to print the first two editions of Lord Byron’s poems and the spectacular Newark Torc, one of the finest Iron Age relics ever discovered in Britain.

• The National Civil War Centre, 14 Appletongate, Newark NG24 1JY. Tel: 01636 655765 (Newark Tourist Information Centre). Open daily 10am-4pm (5pm from March). Entry costs £7 adult, £6 concessions, £3 children 5-16 years, free to under-5s. The free (300MB) NCWT: National Civil War Trail app for smartphones and tablets (Android and iOS) can be downloaded from the App Store or Google Play. www.nationalcivilwarcentre.com.

17th century surgical instruments evoke the horrors of war

A model of sconces: earthwork defences considered to be more resistant to bombardment than solid walls. Newark has the best-preserved Civil War earthworks in the country

Newark’s story Staunchly Royalist, Newark’s importance in the Civil War lay in its location. At the crossroads of the Great North Road and Fosse Way, it provided a key crossing point over the River Trent. The town underwent three sieges; the third, in the harsh winter of 1645-6, saw 16,000 Parliamentarian and Scottish troops seal off the town and dam the river to prevent water mills from producing bread and gunpowder. A third of the population died – as much from starvation, plague and typhus as the fighting – and one in six buildings were destroyed.

The six-month siege ended in May 1646, when the embattled King Charles surrendered to the Scots at Newark. Among the artillery pieces the 1800 half-starved and disease-ridden Cavaliers left behind when they marched out was a cannon known as Sweet Lips. From the Parliamentarian stronghold of Hull and captured during the second siege, it was named after a favourite prostitute said to service both sides. Rampant disease probably saved Newark from further disaster, for the victors steered clear of the town rather than plunder and burn it to the ground, as would have been expected under the usual rules of war at that time.

“It was a cruel conflict in which four per cent of the population died,” says Centre Director Michael Constantine (above). “Brother took up arms against brother and the lives of ordinary people were shattered. No village, hamlet or town escaped the turmoil. Newark’s capitulation signalled the end of what is often called the First Civil War. Within three years, King Charles was executed by Parliament. When the Royalists initially debated their King’s order to surrender Newark, the defiant Mayor said it was better to ‘Trust in God and Sally Forth’, a sentiment that has become the town’s motto.”

Explore the town

With a splendid market place at its heart, historic buildings and narrow winding streets lined with independent shops, galleries and cafés, Newark is an attractive town to visit. Download the Centre’s free ‘augmented reality’ app and take the town trail that brings Newark’s involvement in the Civil War to life.

Short films illustrate the dramas that took place in the buildings you are facing, including torch-wielding troops massing outside the Norman castle (where King John died in 1216) and King Charles and Prince Rupert having a blazing row in the Governor’s House (above what is now a branch of Greggs). There are plenty of good places for a bite to eat as you wander. Try Stray’s on Middlegate, a deservedly popular coffee bar wrapped around a bookshop.

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HEALTH ISSUES

Psychology Explored…

Johan Truter works within adult psychology and established his Clinical Psychology practice in 2007.

Alongside him works Dr Alexandra Dent who also has her own practice in Melton Mowbray; Alexandra works in adult and child psychology with a special interest in trauma. Also involved is Suzanna Watson who specialises in helping children with brain injuries. They create between them a broad network of expert knowledge and are available to consult in Stamford. Amander Meade asks the questions therapist?’ In our professional opinion, the right choice is whoever the client would feel most comfortable with.

Johan Truter WHAT EXACTLY IS PSYCHOLOGICAL THERAPY? Psychological therapy creates a safe, nonjudgemental space in which a person can explore, learn, develop and understand the psychological difficulties they experience – like helping a person complete a jigsaw puzzle of their lives. Some people enter therapy as they do not understand what is happening to them and others because they know the reasons for their difficulties but are not able to manage a change. We look at what underlies a person’s mental health and once we have a detailed history of our client we tailor a unique therapeutic package of care.

There are numerous different therapies available now and it can be confusing to know what they all mean. Some of the most common recognisable ones are Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Systemic Therapy, Psychodynamic Therapy, EMDR and Mindfulness. A broad training in different therapies enables us to work out what package of care would be most effective for each individual.

WHAT SHOULD I LOOK FOR IN A THERAPIST? Therapy is a two way process and the relationship between client and therapist is crucial. During the initial appointment the client needs to ask themselves whether they felt comfortable with the therapist. Is it a safe space to discuss difficult issues? Is the therapist respectful and non-judgmental? Therapy is not always a comfortable process but it should empower the client with time. Sometimes the question is asked ‘do I choose a male or female

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WHAT KIND OF CONDITIONS OR SYMPTOMS CAN BE IMPROVED BY SEEKING THE HELP OF A PSYCHOLOGIST? There are many different conditions or difficulties including depression, anxiety, stress, low self-esteem, relationships difficulties or abuse. Most of us will experience such difficulties at some time throughout our lives. It could be more helpful to view mental health as a healthy reaction to unhealthy circumstances. For example, if I experienced a trauma it is usual to feel anxious as a consequence. If we are over worked and

sleep deprived it may lead to anxiety and depression. Psychological therapy helps to assist in breaking the negative cycle and helps to establish new, healthier patterns.

DO PEOPLE GENERALLY WAIT TOO LONG TO SEEK HELP? Yes, it seems people do postpone therapy for different reasons. Mental health difficulties can leave us feeling out of control and a person may worry that talking to a therapist will only exacerbate this feeling. With anxiety and depression in particular, the more we struggle on alone, the worse it gets.

WILL I BE LABELLED ‘MENTALLY ILL’ IF I SEEK HELP? Initially, clients often feel a sense of shame by seeking help – ‘I have given in’ (failed). Once they understand the therapeutic process, perceptions change. As mental health difficulties erode our confidence having our feelings recognised by a professional is always helpful – it’s good to know that you are not alone in experiencing particular thoughts or feelings. Any information discussed is kept confidential unless a person is at risk of being harmed or is threatening to harm someone else – all of which is explained at the first session.

WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT FROM MY FIRST VISIT? The first assessment session allows you the space and time to communicate your difficulties as well as a detailed background history. At the end of the initial assessment, you will receive a generalised summary of the psychologist’s clinical impressions as well as an indication of what types of intervention may be most suitable.

Therapy will be kept under regular review to make sure that both client and therapist are working towards the same goals and a successful outcome.

Dr Alexandra Dent

Contact: Johan Truter Tel: 01780 758556 www.psychologistuk.co.uk Dr Alexandra Dent Tel: 07986 585270 www.alexandradent.co.uk

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CHARITIES

Nepal Earthquake Aid

HELPING FAMILIES WHO LOST THEIR HOMES IN NEPAL EARTHQUAKE TO REBUILD THEIR LIVES It will soon be a year since the 7.8 magnitude earthquake devastated Nepal in April last year, killing almost 9,000 people including 2,500 children, injuring 20,000 and destroying or damaging more than a million homes. Yet in the hillsides where some of the poorest, leprosy-affected people live there has been little change. Entire villages remain mounds of rubble.

Tin shacks, built with metal sheets bought with funds donated mainly by people in the UK and reclaimed timber from their collapsed houses, are still home to hundreds of families.

James Pender, programmes officer for Peterborough-based Leprosy Mission England and Wales (TLMEW), who visited Nepal in December, described what he saw in Sindhupalchowk district, north of Kathmandu as “total devastation” Among the people he met was widower Krishna Bahadur, who is disabled as a result of having contracted leprosy many years ago when he was a teenager. The 48 year old’s wife Pushpa, 42, died instantly when the roof of the family home crashed on top of her. Krishna and the couple’s two sons Kamal, 12 and Ashok, 18, now live in a tin shack, the size of a single-car garage.

James said: “The shelter is tiny and cold. Yet the family was most grateful. Krishna said it was like a ‘palace’ compared to the tarpaulin sheets they lived under for weeks. It was upsetting to hear, and very humbling.

Your community needs YOU!!

DO SOMETHING REMARKABLE IN 2016!

E

vergreen Care Trust offers some incredible volunteering opportunities. The charity currently looks after 600 members across Stamford, Bourne & the Deepings. Evergreen provide an excellent range of services including Befriending, a Hospital to Home provision, Home Support, Communal Lunches, Hot & Wholesome Soup deliveries, Advocacy , a Clean Team Service and recently launched, Evergreen’s Hand & Nail Pamper Treatments sponsored by and working in partnership with New College Stamford. The majority of these services are free of charge and could not operate without their amazing team of volunteers.

Rosie Maclennan, Volunteer & Marketing Co-ordinator for Evergreen, speaks passionately about volunteering and its benefits. She says: “It’s difficult to sum up the numerous benefits of volunteering for Evergreen because there are so many! We have a wonderful team of volunteers, all of whom have benefited in different ways and given our members invaluable support.

Volunteering is great for mind and soul, it genuinely makes you feel good, and it’s a fantastic way to meet new friends, increase skills, learn more and be part of a dynamic,

fun and friendly team.”

Volunteering at Evergreen is diverse and very rewarding. Evergreen is going from strength to strength and therefore needs local willing volunteers to help support the increasing needs of vulnerable and elderly residents in Stamford, Bourne and The Deepings.

Volunteering at Evergreen can range from Befriending, Helping at their Evergreen Lunches, Reviewing Services, Marketing and Office Administrational support and lots more! You could even train with New College Stamford and join Evergreen’s Hand & Nail Pamper team! There is something for everyone!

INTERESTED IN VOLUNTEERING? Evergreen meet informally every first Thursday of the month in the Cosy Club, Stamford at 6.00 to 7.30pm. All teas, coffees and soft drinks are free of charge thanks to the generosity of the Cosy Club. This is a great chance to meet volunteers and staff of Evergreen. The next meeting is on February 4.

In addition they will be exhibiting at a Showcase Volunteer Event in St George’s Church, Stamford, on Saturday February 6 from 10am to 12noon.

• All further information can be found at www.evergreencare.org.uk Telephone: 01780 765900

S

tamford Churches Together plan to rebuild some of the thousands of family homes that were destroyed.

The group, made up of churches of all denominations, has been holding collections, raffles and evening activities to raise funds.

Chair of Stamford Churches Together Nicola Dunkin said: “I think it’s great and right that Christians in Stamford, from all denominations, are coming together to reach out to people in such desperate need!

“We have set a minimum to raise £5,000 and rebuild two earthquake proof houses for these destitute people who find themselves still without proper shelter following the earthquake in Nepal so many months ago.

“But it would be wonderful if more families suffering from this terrible condition, Leprosy, were to find some respite in having a real home to live in provided by people in Stamford - We don’t have to stop at 2!!”

• £2,500 will pay for an earthquake resistant home and set a family on the road to rebuilding their lives.

• £55 will buy a pallet of 500 bricks to get the building underway • £550 will build 2 new walls from scratch.

• To donate, pick up the phone - 01733 370505 or visit www.leprosymission. org.uk Cheques can be sent to: Stamford Project Rebuilding Nepal (quote code: 16WLD11 on back of cheque), The Leprosy Mission England and Wales, Goldhay Way, Orton Goldhay, Peterborough, PE2 5GZ

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LIVING

Elderly Care

Antonia Scott takes a look at what care facilities for the elderly are available in the area

providing family orientated care. With this strong family ethic, The Red 21ST CENTURY CARE House takes the responsibility of resident-community integration very Traditionally, families of yesteryear usually stayed physically and seriously and host many events for the local community. emotionally close; and caring for frail relatives was far simpler, as there • 11 Emlyn's Street, Stamford PE9 1QP were plenty of family members to keep an eye on the older generation.

Tel: 01780 766261. www.countrycourtcare.co/the-redhouse-houseToday, however, many families are more dispersed nationally and nursing-home-in-stamford internationally, as people move to study, work, find affordable housing, or retire. It’s not uncommon for siblings to live at opposite ends of the country, or even different countries and they will inevitably lead busy lives Bluebird Care are able to offer bespoke care packages for their clients and in doing so have won several awards since opening up their with families of their own.

Stamford office 4 years ago. They have expanded their services Older people generally expect to be cared for as they cared and team of Carers year on year, caring for customers for their own parents and can suffer huge disappointment throughout Rutland, Stamford, Peterborough and when this turns out to be impossible and in turn, the Tixover House East Northamptonshire. Leisa McKenzie, Company younger family members often endure feelings Care Home, Tixover Director, says: “At Bluebird Care our vision of guilt. Talking about care options within the Grange, Tixover, Rutland, PE9 3QN is to help all of our clients live safely and family as early as possible will help create a ‘To Tel: 01780 778 441 holistically in their own home to maintain Do’ list, with actions that can be shared. This Chater Lodge Care Home, High Street, their independence and dignity. Our services might include: talking to the GP and social Ketton, PE9 3TJ Tel: 01780 778 440 include everything from personal care to services, making the home safer with the Braeburn Lodge Care Home, Braeburn Road, shopping, cleaning, or social visits and can help of an occupational therapy expert, Deeping St James, PE6 8GP Tel: 01778 752 524 vary from a single call a day, to complex installing assistive technology, such as Wood Grange Care Home, Westminster Lane, West 24-hour live in care. We understand that personal alarms, organising a befriending Road, Bourne, PE10 9TU Tel: 01778 424010 every client is individual and has different service, day care visits and using voluntary Werrington Lodge Care Home, needs therefore we offer highly flexible and community transport options to avoid Baron Court,Werrington Meadows, bespoke services to each of our customers. isolation.

Peterborough, PE4 7ZF “Training and investing in our staff is Longer life spans, coupled with more Tel: 01733 823 070 constant, which means many of our care staff and more women starting families well into Longueville Court Care Home, the hold specialist qualifications in areas including their 30s and early 40s, has resulted in a Village Green, Orton Longueville, dementia care, Alzheimer’s, end of life care, phenomenon called ‘the sandwich generation’.

Peterborough, PE2 7DN pressure sore prevention, and many more.”

People find themselves juggling the needs of ageing Tel: 01733 822 919 • Bluebird Care Tel: 01780 480881 parents and teenage or young adult children which is www.bluebirdcarestamford.co.uk often a stressful situation and the cause of anxiety, arguments, resentment and fatigue. Therefore getting help with the care of your Barchester have several care facilities around the area and strive to elderly parent(s) from external agencies and care providers is often make life at their care homes as stimulating and fulfilling as possible. essential.

They are committed to ensuring independence, dignity and choice in Country Court Care providers are based around the UK and The Red every aspect of people’s daily life. All the Carers, Nurses, Activities CoHouse Nursing Home is their peaceful premises in Stamford’s Emlyn ordinators and Chefs are compassionate staff, who are all trained to use a Street. They have a simple philosophy – “our residents and their families person-centred approach and spend time getting to know every individual are at the heart of our care homes. We believe that each resident and in order to learn what they like and what is important to them. their families are unique and as a result, we tailor programmes to suits our resident’s preferences.” With 23 en suite bedrooms the focus is on

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ross Keys are a not-for-profit charity with over 350 staff who manage around 10,000 properties with a variety of tenures, including social housing, shared ownership, private rent and leasehold in the Peterborough area. They are the city’s largest provider of independent living, offering a range of services from the Lifeline emergency alarm through community care and sheltered housing to an extra care scheme, Kingfisher Court, helping people to stay safe in their own homes.

Cross Keys are also key community players, committed to delivering a high level of customer-focused services and improving the neighbourhoods for tenants and the wider population. Cross Keys have taken a leading role in a number of community projects, including the ‘Safer Peterborough Partnership’ and the ‘Tackling Worklessness in Peterborough’ consortium. Cross Keys lease 72 shops across the city, providing premises for small business to keep community facilities alive.

• www.crosskeyshomes.co.uk

THE LIFELINE PERSONAL ALARM CAN SUMMON HELP 24 HOURS A DAY. As part of the alarm service, Coss Keys provide a special button which can be worn as a pendant or wristband. When pressed, this button automatically contacts their 24hour control centre, through the LifeLine base unit, which is connected through your telephone line.

Fully-trained operators will instantly know who you are and where you’re calling from.

They will assess the situation and decide what type of help you need. This could be one of the emergency services, a family member or a friend.

• If you think someone in your life would benefit from the peace of mind that LifeLine gives, apply online at www.crosskeyshomes.co.uk/lifeline or call us on 01733 396439.

Mid Co Care Limited was founded after careful analysis of the spiralling demands on health and social care personnel. They cover a large local area that includes Cambridge, Bedfordshire, Northamptonshire, Leicestershire, Lincolnshire and Hertfordshire. They aim to create a positive and welcoming environment that encompasses the client and family needs. MidCo Care recruits all its staff through a rigorous procedure ensuring they are experienced, trained and fully capable of providing the service requested for specific individual needs - challenging behaviour, terminal illness, dementia etc. www.midco-care.co.uk/

GOVERNMENT STEPS UP THEIR CARE When the coalition Government brought in a new Care Act 2014, their primary concern was “to make care and support, and the way we pay for it, clearer, easier to access and more consistent across the whole of England.”

The Act was introduced in two phases: the first phase was enacted on 1st April 2015 and the second phase will come into force in April 2016.

Changes introduced in April 2015 included: • How local authorities should carry out carer’s assessments and needs assessments.

• How local authorities should determine who is eligible for support.

• A number of new obligations, including personal budgets and deferred payments.

Changes to be introduced in April 2016 include: • How local authorities should charge for residential and community care.

• The introduction of the ‘care cap’.

The new Act has introduced the same eligibility threshold across the country, which means access to care and support should no longer be a post code lottery if they fit the ‘eligibility criteria’.

Under the Act, local authorities must provide a personalised care and support plan (or a support plan for carers). People will also have a legal right to receive a personal budget which can be used by service users or carers to request a direct payment, so people can arrange their own care if they wish to. All local councils in England now have a legal duty to offer deferred payment agreements to enable people to use the value of their homes to help pay for care costs.

If eligible, the council will help to pay for care home bills which people can delay repaying until they choose to sell their home, or until after their death.

One of the biggest changes to be introduced by the new Care Act is that local councils have a new duty to promote people’s ‘wellbeing’ and this applies to carers for the first time. Carers have a legal right to be assessed for local authority support – in recognition of the valuable contribution that they make to society. If eligible, the support will usually be provided for free.

Also under the new Act, local authorities must now provide an Information and Advice service about available care and support, as well as independent financial advice on care funding, that is accessible to everyone – not just service users.

The new Act focuses on prevention and gives local authorities new duties to maintain the health of service users rather than dealing with people after a crisis or emergency. This will help people make better decisions about the care and support they need well before reaching a crisis point. From April 2016 there will be a maximum cap of £72,000 on total care costs for those judged eligible for either care at home or residential care. Once the cap is reached, the local authority is responsible for all further costs to meet the person’s eligible needs. Importantly, this ‘care cap’ should prevent people from losing life savings to pay for their care. From April 2016 there will be new means-tested thresholds and the significance of these changes is that people who have capital and were receiving help from their local authority might receive more help, and people who were self-funders might, for the first time, receive help.

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Laxton House, 191 Lincoln Road, Peterborough, Cambridgeshire PE1 2PN Tel: 01733 530580 Email: info@midco-care.co.uk

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UPDATES Discovery Morning at Stamford Junior School and Stamford Nursery School Date: Tuesday 9th February Time: 10:00am – 12:00pm

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tamford Junior School and Stamford Nursery School are hosting a Discovery Morning on Tuesday 9th February from 10am to 12pm. The Discovery Morning offers parents a superb opportunity to tour the school during a working day, and the chance to meet staff and interact with current pupils of the schools in an informal setting.

This is a great chance to explore the excellent facilities of both schools and experience their inspiring, nurturing, challenging and welcoming environment in this discovery morning.

During the Discovery Morning, parents will take a short tour of the School - guided by the pupils - followed by a talk from the Head about the School’s ethos and the entry process. There will then be time for parents to talk informally with senior staff and ask any questions they might have. Head of Stamford Junior School,

Emma Smith, said: “We warmly invite parents to experience the wonderful atmosphere during a normal school day at the Junior School.”

• Places must be reserved and can be

Stibbington Community Classes – Springtime Sessions

Learn a new skill in the old school – Springtime Sessions

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he recently set up Stibbington Community Classes runs in the old Victorian school at Stibbington. Since September they have run workshops on mosaics, stained glass, felting and most recently a joint exercise with the Stamford Oxfam shop upcycling old books, music and maps to make Christmas decorations. The workshops have been popular with individuals, couples and in one instance, three generations of the same family!

This extension of use of the old school building (currently used for school visits during the week) not only provides an opportunity for people to try different crafts but also raises money for the Stibbington Centre Appeal Fund which was set up to improve facilities at the centre.

Upcoming courses: Saturday 30/1/16 09:00 - 10:30 First Aid - Babies & Children £15 11:00 - 12:30 First Aid – General £15 Saturday 30/1/16 14:00 – 17:00 Japanese Notebooks £30 Saturday 27/2/16 09:30 – 13:00 – 12:30 Silver Clay £55 14:00 – 17:30 Copper / Bronze Clay £35 (£80 both sessions) Saturday 12/3/16 10:00 – 16:00 print making £50 Sunday 17/4/16 10:00 – 16:00 Willow Weaving for the Garden £55 Prices include all materials, drinks and flapjack!

Please bring a packed lunch if required.

Location: Stibbington Centre, Church Lane, Stibbington, Peterborough, PE8 6LP Just off the A1 near Wansford, with ample free parking.

• To reserve places: Tel: 01780 782386 or email: cees. stibbington@cambridgeshire.gov.uk For further details email cees.stibbington@cambridgeshire.gov.uk or tel: 01780 782386

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booked by calling 01780 750309 or emailing smberesford@ses.lincs.sch.uk More information on the Schools can be found on the website at www.ses.lincs.sch.uk

Raffle for Jack Rickard W

e wrote an article about Jack Rickard, who needs an operation, on Page 21 of our January issue. A raffle is now being organised for Jack. This is to be held on Sunday 28th February from 4pm onwards at The Wicked Witch in Ryhall.

As well as the raffle there will be food available, cooked by Chef Dameon Clarke. The cost of this is £5 per head and all monies raised will go towards the fund as Dameon has kindly donated the food.

There is a local group, the Broken Stones playing live. Eminence Disco will also be playing music. They have both donated their services free of charge. A lot of local shops, firms and businesses have also kindly donated goods or vouchers for this worthy cause.

One Touch Football Soccer School O

ne Touch Football Soccer School are offering a Soccer Tots session for Boys & Girls from 21/2 to 5 year olds. This will include the Soccer Tots learning the basic fundamentals of football and life.

This will be a great introduction for the Soccer Tots to experience and get a feel for football and exercise in general. The session will be based on a different football theme every week. The Soccer Tots sessions will be fun style sessions (playing such games as Cow boys and Indians) in a relaxed, safe, caring and enjoyable environment.

The Soccer Tots session will be held at: Stamford Rugby Club Hall, Hambleton Rd, PE9 2RZ. Every Friday evening, from 4.45 till 5.30 All the coaching staff are FA qualified and caring coaches (all coaches are CRB checked and First aid trained). Contact Glenn Vaughan on: 07880 703784 or glenn@onetouchfootball.co.uk to book.

Throughout February Half Term, One Touch Football are going to be running football fun days.

Sessions are open to Boys & Girls from ages 4 to 14 years and are suitable for participants of all abilities - from complete beginners to experienced players! Individuals will learn new skills in a fun, relaxed environment and players may even be invited to attend a Players Development Class.

Head Coach, Glenn Vaughan (Coach and Scout for Norwich City FC) will be in attendance to develop all individuals Times & costs: 9.00 - 3.00 £15.00 / day. 10.00 - 3.00 £12.00 / day Special offers: 3 days for £30 (9am-3pm). 5 days for £50 (9am-3pm) • Find out full details at: http://onetouchfootball.co.uk/ftballhols.html

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FOOD & DRINK

Pile up the pancakes Deborah Pennell tells you everything you need to know to create the perfect pancake day meal

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hrove Tuesday, commonly known as Pancake Day or Mardi Gras (Fat Tuesday) is on February 9th this year. Historically it was recognised as the day when households used up their eggs, milk and sugar, ahead of the fasting period of Lent, which begins on Ash Wednesday. However, more recently, it has become a day to indulge in eating pancakes, flipping pancakes and pancake racing.

One of the most famous pancake races in the world takes place annually in Olney, Buckinghamshire and dates back to 1445.

It would appear, people go crazy for world records on Pancake Day so just for fun I decided to search out a few facts about Pancakes: • The record for the most pancakes eaten by one person appears to be held

by Australian, Hayden Wilson, who consumed 80 American Style pancakes in just 17 minutes and 26 seconds!

• The world’s most expensive pancake was created in 2014 at Opus Restaurant in Manchester. Its ingredients included lobster, Beluga caviar, truffles, Scottish mussels and langoustines with a champagne sauce. It would set you back a mere £800!

• The largest pancake recorded to date, measured 15m long and weighed 3 tonnes. It was made in Rochdale in 1994. This pancake was estimated to contain 2 million calories!

• In 2012 the University of Sheffield managed to gain the record for the most people at an event flipping pancakes with a staggering 890 persons.

• The most flips of a pancake in 1 minute is recorded as 140 and in 2 minutes 349.

• The fastest marathon completed while continuously flipping a pancake was awarded to Dominic Cuzzacrea (USA) on 24th October 1999 after he completed the Niagara International Marathon in a time of just over 3 hours.

• The saying "flat as a pancake”, according to the Oxford Dictionary has been a catchphrase since at least 1611.

TIME TO CREATE YOUR OWN FLIPPING FRENZY...

TRADITIONAL PANCAKE RECIPE Makes 8-10 12cm pancakes • 110g plain flour • A pinch of salt • 2 large eggs • 200ml semi skimmed milk with 75ml cold water added • 2 tablespoons melted butter • (for chocolate pancakes add 25g cocoa powder) extra butter for cooking Sieve the flour and salt into a large mixing bowl. Make a well in the middle of the flour mixture and break the eggs into it. Start whisking the eggs using an electric hand whisk, or ordinary whisk, and slowly begin to incorporate small amounts of flour from the sides of the bowl. Add small quantities of the milk and water mixture and continue until all the flour is incorporated. Run a rubber spatula around the sides of the bowl, add the melted butter and whisk once more until the batter is smooth.

If you have a food processor… sieve the flour and salt into the food processor add the eggs, milk, water and melted butter and blend until smooth.

In either case, pour the batter into a jug in order to make it easier to transfer to the pan once you start making your pancakes.

Heat your pancake pan and add a small amount of butter to coat the pan. When it is hot pour in some pancake mix and rapidly swirl around the pan, pouring any excess back into the jug. It should only take a minute or so to cook; run a plastic spatula round the side of the pan and then either flip it with the spatula or if you are feeling very brave have a go at tossing it out of the pan and hopefully catching it on the way back down!

Keep to one side on a warm plate, covered with tinfoil and place in a warm oven. They freeze well, interleaved with baking parchment.

AMERICAN STYLE PANCAKES • Makes 10-12 6cm pancakes • 225g plain flour • 1 tblsp baking powder • Pinch of salt • 1tsp sugar • 2 large eggs, beaten • 30g butter, melted • 300ml milk • extra butter for cooking In a large bowl, sieve the flour, baking powder and salt. Add the sugar and combine. Make a well in the dry ingredients and whisk in the eggs, melted butter and milk. Beat till smooth.

Alternatively if you have a food processor put all the ingredients into the blender and whizz until smooth. Pour the batter into a jug and leave to rest for 20 minutes.

Heat a griddle or non-stick frying pan and cook tablespoon sized pancakes. In order to tell when the pancakes are ready to flip, look for bubbles appearing on the upper side and then turn them over.

Stack them on a warm plate, covered with tin foil or clingfilm and place in a warm oven.

TRY SOME OF THESE DELICIOUS FILLINGS OR TOPPINGS: Sweet • Banana, pecan and butterscotch • Lemon curd and mascarpone • Mango, passion fruit, lime and honey • Salted caramel and vanilla ice cream Savoury • Butternut squash and Stilton • Crispy Proscuitto, Balsamic, Rocket and roasted tomato • Wild mushroom and gruyere • Dolcelatte, Walnut and Red onion jam Mmmmmmmmmm perfect pancakes...

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EATING OUT

Grub’s up!

Lucy Banwell explores some great places to eat out in Stamford with kids in tow

THE FINE FOOD STORE

THE CROWN PIZZA EXPRESS A warm welcome is guaranteed at Pizza Express. The lovely thing about this place is that everyone knows what to expect and there’s a certain comfort in that. And, of course, what you get is actually very good. Once we could get 8-year-old George and 6-year-old Joe to pause for a moment from their frantic filling in of their scribble-on menu, they made the big decision to plump for their usual - Margherita pizza. Dough balls with crudités come as standard as part of the kids’ menu (£6.50 for starter, main, dessert) and it was great to see a few veggies go down before the pizza fest began in earnest.

I went for the Leggera Pollo ad Astra pizza (£10.60), a lighter option with chicken and peppers with comes as a doughnut-shaped pizza with salad in the middle. Tasty with a bit of spice, but not too hot. Him opposite, on the other hand, chose the American Hot Romana pizza (£12.35) with extra jalapeno peppers and chillis. When I took a tiny bite of this concoction I spent the next five minutes with streaming eyes and a burning mouth which no amount of real Sicilian lemonade could relieve.

Whereas he was in his element, chomping his way through with nothing but the odd bead of sweat on his forehead to attest to the ferocity of his lunch. As usual with Pizza Express, we all enjoyed watching the chefs do their stuff in the open-sided central kitchen area. Joe asked us whether it was a well-paid job. Luckily the answer didn’t put him off his new chosen career as a pizza chef.

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THE CROWN

• Pizza Express, 1 High Street, St Martins, Stamford, Lincolnshire PE9 2LE www.pizzaexpress.com Tel: 01780 767902 THE CROWN The Crown has undergone a stunning makeover in recent years and it was a delight for us to trot through to the back of their lovely rear dining room and settle ourselves into one of their cosy, leather-clad booths. The scrubbed pine tables and exposed stonework combined with the giant moose head on the wall give the space a quirky, characterful vibe and the place was buzzing when we arrived on a packed Saturday lunchtime. We took Granny with us to sample The Crown’s impressive menu and she struck lucky with their outstanding shepherd’s pie made from pulled Tallington lamb, gravy and mash. George went for the burger which came in a golden, glazed brioche bun which caused much envy on my part. My choice was Crab Thermidor which was beautifully served in a crab shell with a piquant tartare sauce, a caesar salad and roast potatoes in their own mini stainless steel saucepan. All top notch and highly recommended.

• The Crown, All Saints’ Place, Stamford PE9 2AG www.kneadpubs.co.uk Tel: 01780 763136 THE FINE FOOD STORE The Fine Food Store on St Mary’s Street is the place for Stamford locals to meet up for coffee, but is it a place to take children? The

answer is a resounding ‘Yes’. The café’s founder, Jenny Fitzpatrick, has always been keen to offer fresh, quality food for the whole family, but her desire to appeal to younger diners has been sharpened since the arrival of her own son Thomas, now three. There’s a ‘Little Kids’ section of the menu which offers great value items such as Eggy Bread (£3) and Cheese On Toast Soldiers (£2.50) and Jenny is happy to adapt any of the ‘grown-up’ elements of the menu to suit younger visitors. George wolfed down his Chargrilled Chicken, Pesto & Mozzarella Panini (£5.95) and Joe played it safe with a Ham & Cheese Panini (£5.75). The boys’ friend Lana had joined us for lunch that day and while at first we struggled to find anything she fancied on the menu, her eyes lit up once she’d spotted ‘The Big Breakfast’. A massive plate of sausage, bacon and fried eggs arrived and she was soon in fry-up heaven! I took advice from a Trip Advisor review which recommended starting with salad to allow room for one of Fine Foods’ legendary cakes. It proved an excellent strategy although I was at risk of filling up prematurely on the Grilled Halloumi & Roasted Vegetable Salad (£7.50) because the peppers were super sweet and the halloumi a squeaky, salty treat. But I battled on and the kids and I were soon having a lovely time sampling huge slices of Jenny’s cakey creations - Chocolate & Sour Cream, Carrot Cake and Chocolate Orange.

• The Fine Food Store, 37 St Mary’s Street, Stamford, PE9 2DS Tel: 01780 754222

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ASK ITALIAN It was just 6-year-old Joe and I for our visit to Ask Italian and I must admit I was really looking forward to some one-on-one time with my smallest boy. No bickering with his brother for a whole hour. Heaven! And the food made me smile, too. Joe chose Spaghetti Carbonara from the kids’ menu which is priced at £6.75 for a starter, main, dessert and babyccino (a mini cup of steamed milk). I went for the chicken and pancetta salad at £10.45 which was served on a bed of spinach, cos, and avocado with a tangy dressing.

Joe’s Carbonara was pleasingly silky and rich, but the highlight for both of us was the sea salt and rosemary bread which came as part of my Antipasto Classico Board starter (£5.95). It was extremely moreish, and once armed with a dish of olive oil and balsamic vinegar, we were soon a pair of very happy dippers. For pudding, Joe opted for a tropical-flavoured ice lolly. He soon ditched it in favour of a share of my yummy Tiramisu, but then that’s probably because the lolly contained real fruit! Our waitress, Ainhoa, ensured we had prompt and cheery service throughout. Overall, a lovely experience in Ask’s bright, light and colourful restaurant.

• Ask Italian, 9/10 St Johns Street, Stamford, PE9 2DB www.askitalian.co.uk Tel: 01780 765 455 OK DINER Now, I’ve no idea whether a visit to the OK Diner on the A1 just north of Stamford offers a genuine American dining experience. What I do know is that the food is mind-blowingly tasty and kids just love the place! The sound of retro rock ‘n’ roll classics greeted us as we entered the shiny, silver building, and we were soon shown to our booth by a friendly waitress. Joined by their friend Noah, the boys happily shuffled into their seats and got straight to work on the nifty colouring sheets provided. American road signs clad the walls and the atmosphere was jolly and relaxed. From the kids’ menu (£5.50 for a main, dessert and drink) Joe chose the Hot Dog & French Fries and Noah went for Chicken Fillet Dippers. The latter were declared ‘really yummy’ and were gone in a flash, and Joe gave his hot dog 10/10. George, our resident burger aficionado, aimed high with the Royale Burger (£9.30). The 6oz burger was deemed ‘very tasty’ and the BBQ pulled pork was ‘squelchy and delicious’!

I decided to be brave and chose the most American, unfamiliar thing I could find on the menu which turned out to be BBQ Ribs & Wings Combo (£10.45). Would the wings look wingshaped? No, as it turns out they look like mini drumsticks, deep-fried with a KFC-style coating.

Crispy on the outside, tender and sticky inside, with a bit of heat but not too much spice. Totally amazing. The boys had ice cream for pud while I decided to continue the theme of all-American indulgence and go for the Crunchy Toffee Waffle (£4.45). It tasted both incredibly bad but incredibly good all at the same time. The waffle was crunchy, chewy and incredibly sweet but before I knew it I was two thirds of the way through and enjoying myself immensely. Ice cream swirled with toffee and a caramel sauce helped wash it all down.

Probably the most calorific meal of my life but well worth it. All in all, a fun family meal out.

• OK Diner, Bloody Oaks Services A1 Northbound, Tickencote, Stamford, PE9 4AD www.okdiners.com Tel: 01780 480 756

ASK ITALIAN

ASK ITALIAN

COSY CLUB COSY CLUB There’s something for everyone at the cavernous Cosy Club on Stamford’s Horseshoe Lane. The vast space – formerly a sorting office – manages to feel both cosy and industrial with its tasseled lampshades, giant steel pipe work and red boudoir bar. On the food front the boys opted for burgers – Joe’s from the Cosy Kids’ menu (£5.50 for two courses) and George’s from the main menu which came with smoky, sweet pulled pork and lovely, crispy fries. Us adults chose BeerBattered Cornish Pollock (£10.95) which came with the best mushy peas I have ever tasted and a tapas selection of Salt & Pepper Squid, Falafel and Seared Yellowfin Tuna (£11.50 for three).

Him opposite really rated the vanilla custard which accompanied his Chocolate Croissant Bread & Butter Pudding (£5.95) which is saying something coming from the man who always insists on making his own custard from scratch. And the boys lapped up their Sticky Toffee Pudding (£5.25) which was served with vanilla ice cream and butterscotch sauce. My only complaint was about the music. Just when I was thinking it was a bit too loud, 8-year-old George shouted: ‘The music’s too loud!’ It could be that he is turning into a mini version of his old and boring mother, or it could be that he has a point.

• Cosy Club, The Old Delivery Office, Horseshoe Lane, Stamford PE9 2RB www.cosyclub.co.uk Tel: 01780 767710 STAMFORD LIVING FEBRUARY 2016

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New from Spode SHOP CLOSURE “Glen Lodge” RETIREMENT SALE

Duchess Bone China up to 50% off Border Fine Arts up to 50% off Bake & Cookware up to 50% off All Fridges, Cookers and Washing Machines 20% off Calor Gas Mobile Heaters were £99 now £59

MASSIVE STOCK CLEARANCE China, Glass & Cookshop 35 & 36 St Mary’s Street, Stamford PE9 2DS Tel: 01780 762652

Calor Gas Sales & Service Centre 22 St. Peter’s Street, Stamford PE9 2PF Tel: 01780 763250

www.lambs-stamford.co.uk | sales@lambs-stamford.co.uk Lambs of Stamford Aynsley | Burleigh Ware | Crown Derby | Duchess Horwood & Stella | Maxwell and Williams | Moorcroft Portmeirion | Poole Pottery | Royal Albert | Royal Doulton Royal Worcester | Spode | Waterford | Wedgewood Hayter Mountfield Mowers | Hand Tools Valor Fires & Surrounds | Webber BBQ

Scrum on down & join us for the RBS Six Nations Rugby!

Tackle a four pint jug of beer with friends from £12.50 Engage & loop your way around our ‘Nibbles & Jugs’ menu Available during all ‘live ’matches from Saturday 6th February – 19th March 2016 Side step on to thebullandswan.co.uk to view our menus

The Bull & Swan at Burghley High St, St Martins, Stamford PE9 2LJ 01780 766 412

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The Berkeley Arms in Wymondham

Award Winning Country Pub Michelin Bib Gourmand Award 2012, 2013 & 2014 Melton Times Business Award Best Eating Experience 2011 & 2014 Countryside Alliance Awards - Highly Commended 2013

Exquisite Locally Sourced Food  Cask Ales  Fine Wines

01572 787587

www.theberkeleyarms.co.uk

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LOCAL WALK

Foxton Locks and the Laughton Hills This walk has everything you could wish for. A chance to watch narrowboats navigating the ten staircase Foxton Locks, plenty of gradients and a charming walk along the towpath.

POINTS OF INTEREST Foxton Locks is a staircase of ten locks which was built in 1814 to link Market Harborough to the Grand Union canal.

It’s fun to watch the narrow boats negotiating the flight. Each boat takes about 50 minutes from top to bottom (or vica versa). The Foxton Canal Museum is open weekends in the winter 11am-4pm.

Tel: 0116 279 2657.

WALK DATA Distance: 6.5 miles Typical time: 2.5 hours OS map: Explorer 223, Landranger141 Start & finish: Foxton Locks Car Park (payment) Terrain: Plenty of contours, and muddy in places Stiles: Many Getting there: Foxton Locks is four miles to the SW of Market Harborough, justW of Foxton village

Gumley is an ancient village. There is evidence of a defensive ditch on the boundary of the village. Gumley was a meeting-place for the witanagemot (assembly) of the kings of Mercia in the 8th century. factfile

REFRESHMENTS Foxton Locks Inn: Tel: 0116 279 1515 www. restaurantfoxtonlocks.co.uk Food Light refreshments also available at both the top and bottom of the locks – lots of chatracter The Bell Inn at Gumley (Tel: 0116 27924, www.thebellinngumley.co.uk ) is a lovely early 19th century village pub which welcomes walkers.

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DIRECTIONS 1

Gumley Gumley Covert

7 6

Laughton 4

9

8

Foxton Locks 10

Gumley Lodge

1

5

3 Kicklewell Spinney 2 Bridge 51

Laughton Manor Farm

Grand Union Canal

Laughton Road

Set out from the Foxton Locks Car Park along a path which runs alongside the road.

On reaching the canal bridge, turn south (left) along the towpath and follow this along a most agreeable route for 2.5 miles until you reach Bridge 51.

Once under bridge 51, turn off the towpath, go over the bridge and follow a footpath up the hill. At the stile, bear diagonally to the left along the ridge, and then at the next stile hug the side of the wood; this path shortly come to a road.

Turn right along the road, and after about 100 yards the path takes off to the left (N) across a series of fields; the path is well marked. On entering the fourth field, the path cuts sharp left across the field towards Laughton village. Cross the footbridge (very slippy indeed) and continue heading straight for the village.

The path goes to the right of a sandcoloured house, through a gate and onto the village street; go right and then take the first right; after a few yards you will see the path taking off to your right, through a very muddy horses’ paddock.

The path heads diagonally across a field and, just to the right of a dead tree trunk, you will see a footpath sign; cross the road, and this path now runs in a delightful fashion NE for about 1.25 miles until you pass Gumley Lodge on your right.

Just after Gumley Lodge take the path which goes diagonally left towards a metal gate (do not go onto the small road on the right).

At the next stile, go straight on up the very steep slope, and you soon reach a gate leading to Gumley Village; the path goes between a hedge and a fence.

Turn left and then immediately right in the main street, and follow the very wellmarked path back towards the canal.

At the canal, cross over by the very narrow elevated footbridge, turn right along the footpath and follow it until you reach Rainbow Bridge and the Foxton Locks Inn ahead of you.

Cross this bridge, follow the towpath on the other side, and very son you will come to the staircase of locks. Amble slowly up (museum halfway up on left).

After the locks you shortly reach another bridge, go under it and then turn immediately left to get you back to the car park.

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4 5

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Wedding Show

The East of England

the perfect backdrop to your wedding day

Org a by - nised C We upids ddi Sho ng ws

SUNDAY 21ST FEBRUARY

10.30am – 3.00pm - The East of England Showground, Peterborough Tel: 07738 912092 / 01775 765385 for details www.cupidsweddingshows.com

The Regions Greatest Wedding Show!

Goody Bag for the first 250 Brides Over 80 Exhibitors Free Glass of Bubbly Catwalk Shows Free Parking Free Bridal Directory Free Prize Draw Admission: £4.00 Everything you need to plan your special day

Wedding Fair Sunday 28th February • 10.30am - 3.00pm Join us for Complimentary Cup Cakes and Champagne.

Licensed for Civil Ceremonies Selection of rooms available each with its own ceremony room and outside facilities to hold your drinks reception and evening BBQ or Hog Roast Barnsdale Hair and Beauty on hand to offer relaxing treatments and pre-wedding hair and make-up packages for the bride and bridesmaids 66 Bedrooms with many enjoying spectacular views over Rutland Water and surrounding Countryside

Barnsdale Hall Hotel

Barnsdale Hall Hotel, Nr Oakham, Rutland, LE15 8AB Tel: 01572 757 901 | www.barnsdalehotel.co.uk

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DIARY DATES

What’s On Amander Meade selects some of the best entertainment in the region this month.

Thursday 4 February, 7.30pm EXPERIMENTAL THEATRE: Kwaidan An atmospheric theatre piece inspired by Japanese ghost stories and horror movies.

It combines life-sized puppets, humanettes, acting and video projections. Kwaidan tells the story of Haru, a young woman who comes back to her abandoned family house after many years of absence. Strange events happen as the house seems to be inhabited by spirits and ghosts from the past. As the action unfolds, the memory of a terrible event resurfaces. Rouge 28 fuse puppetry with different performance genres to produce original and intriguing visual theatre. Their work has been performed nationally and internationally and is a must for performing arts students and drama lovers alike. Running time one hour with no interval.

Stamford Arts Centre Tickets from £8.50 Tel: 01780 763203 www.stamfordartscentre.com Friday 5 to Thursday 11 February (various screen times) FILM: The Lady In The Van (12A) Maggie Smith plays an aging transient who makes her home in an old van parked outside a writer’s London home and couldn’t give a fig what the world thinks. Alan Bennett’s smashhit National Theatre play is given a winning big-screen treatment that’s both so British and magically entertaining.

Stamford Arts Centre Tickets £5.50/£6.50 Tel: 01780 763203 or www.stamfordartscentre.com Saturday 6 and Sunday 7 February FILM: The Good Dinosaur The Good Dinosaur asks the question: What if the asteroid that forever changed life on Earth missed the planet and giant dinosaurs never became extinct? Another Pixar animation to marvel at.

Stamford Arts Centre Tickets from £5.50 Tel: 01780 763203 www.stamfordartscentre.com Wednesday 10 February, 7.30pm TALK: An Audience with Tim Brooke-Taylor An unforgettable evening in the company of one of the funniest and best-loved comedy performers of our time as he discusses his long career with the writer and broadcaster Chris Serle. Tim Brooke-Taylor delights as he tells hilarious stories from a lifetime in comedy. This is an evening of warmth and good-humour spiced with a few revealing anecdotes about many of the names Tim has appeared with including his fellow Goodies Graeme Garden and Bill Oddie.

Stamford Arts Centre. Tickets £18 Tel: 01780 763203 www.stamfordartscentre.co.uk

Snowdrop Week runs from 13 to 21 February. Preview tours are on Saturday 13, Tuesday 16 and Thursday 18 February from 10am. Gardens open to the general public at 11am.

EVENT: Snowdrop Week Join an exclusive preview tour and guided walk at Easton Walled Gardens during Snowdrop week with expert, Jackie Murray. Walk features close up studies of rare and unusual plants before the gardens open to the general public. Ursula Cholmeley who has restored the twelve acre garden near Grantham says “The tours will be a special treat for galanthophiles.

It’s a chance to walk the gardens with an expert, picking up tips on how to grow your own, and how to spot new varieties.”

Tours are £20 each to include tea/coffee and a slice of homemade cake, entrance to the gardens and photography exhibition plus a comprehensive Easton Walled Gardens guide book and some snowdrop bulbs from the gardens to take home. Discounted tickets are available for RHS and Easton Walled Gardens members.

General admission prices are £7 for adults and £3 for children. Friends of Easton Walled Gardens have free entry, and discounted tickets for the tours.

Booking at www.shopateaston.co.uk or Tel: 01476 530063

Thursday 18 February, 7.30pm TALK: Philippa Massey Talks The Arts Centre itself is the subject for renowned historian Philippa Massey this time. Philippa will examine how the different buildings comprising the Arts Centre complex have been used over the years, how the centre came into being and how it has evolved. Stamford Arts Centre Tickets £5 each Tel: 01780 763203 www.stamfordartscentre.com.

Saturday 20 and Sunday 21 February, 2pm and 7pm PANTOMIME: Dick Whittington Dick Whittington and his Cat, journey to London and with the help of friends on the way try to defeat the Baddie – King Rat. But will good win over evil? Find out as the South Kesteven Acting and Musical Players present their version of this traditional favourite. Stamford Arts Centre Tickets £6/£7.50 Tel: 01780 763203 www.stamfordartscentre.co.uk Wednesday 24 February, 10am to 4pm COURSE: Making the Most of Your Kitchen Garden Discover how to make the best use of your kitchen garden to maximise production and grow the finest fruit and vegetables the organic way. Covering all the essential elements from soil preparation to harvest with Matt Biggs, a regular on Gardeners’ Question Time, as well as an accomplished author and speaker. Lunch, refreshments and Garden entry are included in the price.

Barnsdale Gardens, near Exton £76 per person. Booking Tel: 01572 813200 or at www.barnsdalegardens.co.uk STAMFORD LIVING FEBRUARY 2016

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Now is the time to make your garden ready for next year!

• • • • •

Call James on 01780 752119 info@marramgardens.co.uk www.marramgardens.co.uk

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Your local

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Andrew Carr T: 01780 753575 M: 07734693253 E: andy@customlawncare.co.uk www.customlawncare.co.uk | 21 Belvoir Close, Stamford, Lincs, PE9 2XY

Landscaping Paving Decking Garden Buildings Maintenance

Call for a free, no obligation quotation 07447 079693 01780 479184 rdhort@icloud.com www.rdhorticulture.com

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Meditation & Mindfulness Friday 26 February Stamford Arts Centre (in the ballroom) 7.00-8.00pm ¦ £6

Clock & Watch Restoration and Repair

with Buddhist nun Gen Nyingpo

Robert Loomes FBHI FRSA Public talk with senior Teacher, Kadam Bridget Heyes. Please book tickets at the Stamford Arts Centre box office.

www.drolmacentre.org.uk

4, St Mary’s Hill, Stamford PE9 2DP 01780 481319

Member of The British Watch and Clock Maker’s Guild (Founded 1907)

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Member of The British Horological Institute (Founded 1858)

House visits, all domestic clocks repaired, high grade repairs to all makes of watches.

Insured, qualified, guaranteed

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DIARY DATES

What’s On Ideas for school holiday fun this month.

Family challenge…

Saturday 13 February, 10am to 12.30pm FAMILY ACTIVITY: Nest Box Challenge National Nest Box Week begins on Valentine’s Day so will you help the birds by building a love nest this February? Learn about the breeding garden birds, build a box to take home and make a bird feeder as an extra treat for the birds in your garden. There is also the chance to build a home for bats, bugs or hedgehogs.

Birdwatching Centre, Rutland Water Nature Reserve £10 per person. Book at www.rutlandwater.org MAKE A PERFORMANCE… Monday 15 to Friday 19 February, 9.30am to 4pm WORKSHOPS: Musical Theatre with Wildcats The team will be going back to basics and working on famous musicals, teaching children songs, routines and acting from the shows.

Every day ends either in a mini showcase or a filmed performance, showcasing which skills have been learnt. Workshops suitable for ages 5-13 years unless otherwise stated. Early drop off and late pick up can be booked for a small additional charge. Packed lunch and drinks required.

Booking and further information Tel: 01780 762000 or www.wildcatstheatreschool.co.uk

FEEL THE FORCE Monday 15 to Sunday 21 February sees a week of space themed arts and crafts workshops to celebrate the release of Star Wars: The Force Awakens which is showing all week at Stamford Arts Centre.

Join Liz Paige on Monday to start filling the gallery with planets and satellites and all things spacey. The theme continues with a space sculpture workshop with James Sutton on Wednesday and finishes with the family open day on Friday.

For more information on any of the activities and to book Tel: 01780 763203 or visit www. stamfordartscentre.com

LET IT GO! Sunday 21 February, 2pm FAMILY SINGALONG: Freezing Take a trip to the snowy heights of Arendel and get lost in a whirlwind of song, dance and snow.

Sing along to all the hits, play frosty games and learn how to cast icy spells with your favourite princesses in this interactive treat. Featuring all the hits from Frozen.

Stamford Corn Exchange Theatre Tickets £12£10, family of four £40. Tel: 01780 766455 or www.corn-exchange-theatre.co.uk

SHOWTIME!...

Thursday 18 February, 2pm THEATRE: Treasure Island Take a trip into a world of pirates, adventure and princesses as one of the nation’s favourite novels is brought to life with a modern twist.

Action aplenty on the high seas in a show jam packed with magic, puppets, colourful costumes, illusion and laughs.

Stamford Corn Exchange Theatre Tickets £12£10, family of four £40. Tel: 01780 766455 or www.corn-exchange-theatre.co.uk

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ACCOUNTANTS

CARPET CLEANING

Expert advice, local knowledge

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Contact Tom Hindmarch: tom.hindmarch@duntop.co.uk

CALL TOM 01733 893153. 07538 402555 ONLY £20 PER ROOM INCLUDING SCOTCHGARD

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SPECIAL OFFER INCLUDES ALL BEDROOMS – LANDING – STAIRS

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All types of PC and Laptop repairs and upgrades undertaken Broadband & wireless installation Data recovery • Hardware sales info@acrcomputers.co.uk www.acrcomputers.co.uk TEL: 01780 753477 SCOTGATE – STAMFORD

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ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR

OVEN CLEANING Do you want the fairies to clean your oven?

Or would you rather do it yourself?

5-6 Maiden Lane, Stamford, PE9 2AZ Email: service@hunterstevens.co.uk www.hunterstevens.co.uk

Ovens, Ranges, Agas, Hobs, Extractors, Microwaves, Start from £39 Fridges, FreezersPrices & BBQ’s • Prices start from £42 T: 01572 767678 M: 07785 987112 t. 01572W: 767678 - m. 07785 987112 www.ovenfairy.co.uk Ovens, Ranges, Agas, Hobs, Extractors, Microwaves, Fridges, Freezers & BBQs

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01780 480922 07775 931397

You only pay for our services and not for our time.

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The great little cleaning company

David Upson - Electrician Stamford

Office: 01780 592 161 Mobile: 07708 931 453 Email: david@upsonelectrical.co.uk

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01780 756098

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SPECIALISTS IN THE SUPPLY AND FITTING OF LINERS, PREFABRICATED CHIMNEY SYSTEMS AND LOG BURNING STOVES.

Why does the computer always play up in the evenings when the repair shops are shut?

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Mob: 07811 310 012 Tel: 01780 752602

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Help available until 9pm including weekends.

Computer repair and support for home and business A complete service for all your computing needs

Bill & Sue Crowe Tel: 01780 754043 Mob: 07766833076 www.bcit.co.uk Email: bill@bcit.co.uk

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Expert Installation by qualified tradesman

21/01/2016 14:30

rides

20 Best Local Bike Rides

20 best

BIKE

Spectacular rides around cycle Stamford, Rut Harborough land, the Nene Valland ey

0

01

ISSN 175 7-747

From the publisher

Living

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Magazines

Please enclose a cheque for £3.50 per booklet, made payable to Local Living, select which title you wish and return to: PO Box 208, Stamford, PE9 9FY.

Or order online at: www.bestlocalliving.co.uk

Loving where we live!

Subscribe to Stamford Living

STAMFORD LIVING www.stamfordliving.co.uk

@StamfordLiving1 Stamf ord Living

For £20 you can subscribe to Stamford Living for 12 issues.

Please send your name, address and a cheque made payable to Local Living Ltd to: SL Subscriptions, PO Box 208, Stamford, PE9 9FY Or subscribe online at www.bestlocalliving.co.uk

The Colour issue

Getting it right in fashion and inter iors

Stamford Anima ls

Ask Leo New

Year Quiz

Lunch for Less

Find a great val ue

Food /Fas hion /He alth & SL JAN COVER.ind

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Call in now Please call Call in Call infor a now for a244723 01733 free now for a In Loving Memory In Loving Memory free nowbrochure for a brochure In Loving Memory free In Loving Memory brochure freeand and brochure and brochure advice and advice andadvice advice advice Memorials for Cemeteries and and Memorials for Cemeteries and Memorials for Cemeteries Churchyards Churchyards Churchyards Mausoleum Plaque specialists and Memorials for Cemeteries Mausoleum Plaque specialists Mausoleum Plaque specialists Proud to be Registered and Approved

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DIRECTORY To place an advert in next month’s magazine please call Claudia on 01778 425502 WINDOW CLEANING

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WOODBURNERS

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Unit 1 • Station Road Business Park • Barnack • Stamford • Lincolnshire • PE9 3DW T 01780 482039 E stamfordplumbing@yahoo.co.uk W www.plumbingstamford.co.uk

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• Domestic biomass installations.

Integrated Systems

• SL Feb.indd 55

17:01

Wood Burning Stoves & Biomass

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10/06/2014

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1

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21/01/2016 13:15

PROFILE

The Rutland Troubadour,

Paul McClure

Minstrel, singer, balladeer, poet and teacher – Rutland musician Paul McClure can accurately be described as any of these but has lately become known as the Rutland Troubadour during his travels the length and breadth of the UK playing to audiences ranging from thirty to thousands. He tells Amander Meade about his eagerly awaited second solo album, ‘Songs for Anyone’

A

FTER years playing with bands, you seem very happy writing and working alone these days…

I have loved the last eighteen months touring and writing as a solo artist. Playing with bands is a lot of fun but I have found a certain flexibility and independence as a solo performer. If a venue ring me and ask me to play, I can jump in the car and just head straight there which is much more difficult to do if there are four or five musicians to consider. I also love the fact I can adapt a song or a show at a minute’s notice and there is great freedom in that. Having said that, when I showcase the new album live, I plan to use musicians from time to time to layer up the sound and present a different aspect to the songs which were all written by me with just a guitar.

The album was recorded with just a handful of musicians and produced by Joe Bennet.

Did it come together quickly?

This is not the album I set out to make. It’s not the album I thought I’d have the opportunity to make but it is, however, one that I’m very excited to be putting out into the world.

The good thing about working with a multiinstrumentalist like Joe is that you don’t have to get too many people in the room all throwing ideas in - you can hold on to the identity of the songs. We recorded the whole album in just six sessions. It was important not to over think it; I wanted the album to happen naturally, which it did.

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What does the Rutland Troubadour tag represent?

I just love the whole idea of the troubadour folklore – the storytelling element which is steeped in the tradition of folk and country singing. There’s a lot of talking in my shows which is quite unusual but I find audiences love to hear about the origins of a song, what it’s about and what it means. I’m also proud to unofficially represent the county on my travels – I love Rutland and am happy to carry the name.

You have said you are happy to play anywhere. Have the home concerts become a bit of a speciality?

They have! I love playing to people in their own homes. The idea is that a group of forty or fifty friends come together and I play a private show at someone’s house. I was brought up with music in the house and my grandparents’ generation all owned a piano and everyone learned a song to perform. I love the idea of bringing live music back into the home and connecting with people in the most fundamental way by playing to them where they are most relaxed. I don’t have any snobbery or pretensions about playing live – there’s no-one I won’t play for whether it’s a home gig or a festival, the numbers don’t matter to me. Rutland struggles with a lack of live music venues so it solves a problem there too.

What’s next for you?

I’ll be playing across the region during February and March promoting ‘Songs For Anyone’ with dates announced on my website where you can also buy the album. I’m hoping to keep playing live all over the UK and am always interested in home gigs here in Rutland of course.

• ‘Songs For Anyone’ is available from 27 January 2016 through www.paulmccluremusic.com

STAMFORD LIVING FEBRUARY 2016

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